A Metafictional Reading Of Small World

As a well-known British novelist and literary critic, David lodge is an important post-war writer because of his unique “campus novels”, “Catholic novels” and literary criticism. As an influential writer in the 20 th century, Lodge wins the popularity around the world. Published in 1984, Small World is one of the Trilogies, which won the Booker Prize nominations. Since publication, Small World has drawn favorable attentions in the academic world. This thesis is based on the theory of metafiction to make a comprehensive analysis on Small World. Besides the introduction and conclusion, the main body of this thesis falls into four chapters.The first part is the introduction which includes the introduction of Lodge’s life and his creations; a brief introduction to the novel Small World; a summary of the studies on Lodge and his works at home and abroad; and the innovation of the thesis.Chapter One is the introduction to the theoretical basis—the theory of metafiction. At first, it presents the definition, origin and development of metafiction. Then it presents the features and principles of metafiction. These theoretical features of metafiction above set a basis for the following analysis in thesis.Chapter Two analyzes the manifestation of the narrative forms in the novel. In this chapter, the novel will be analyzed from the perspectives of the intrusive author, dialogism, and the art of collage. It displays the nature of fiction and the fictional skills in the novel. And it reveals the fictionality and subverts the expectation of the readers. Hence, it reminds the readers of taking the critical views and considering the relationship between fiction and reality.Chapter Three discusses the narrative strategies in this novel. Lodge employs the features of language play and intertextuality in Small World. This chapter is analyzed from the textual and realistic perspective to present intertextuality. It aims to show the diversification and depth in writing.Chapter Four is the analysis of narrative techniques in this novel. In this chapter, the novel will be analyzed from four aspects of disordered narrative time, juxtaposed narrative space, embedded narrative structure, and open ending to present the unique feature. It aims to explore the meaning of metafictional themes that conveys in the novel. Furthermore, it can benefit the readers for a better understanding on Lodge and his works.The conclusion is a summary of the thesis. It presents the unique characteristics of Small World by combing the analysis about the results of narrative forms, narrative strategies, and narrative techniques. It not only points out the fictionality of language, but also makes people reconsider the relationship between language and reality.