A Study On The Indeterminacy In David Lodge's Small World

As a famous English literary critic,David Lodge is quite talented in literary writing,which majorly includes religious novels and campus novels.His talent in writing in his later period can be best shown in the classical “Campus Trilogy”,among which Small World is the most representative one.Small World reflects his literary critical idea and writing insistence.It conveys various writing techniques and opinions,and postmodern features.This thesis focuses on the indeterminacy of the novel in postmodern context.It mainly studies on the novel in the following aspects: firstly,in its general frame,the indeterminacy in narrative structure is studied;secondly,in the writing techniques,the indeterminacy in narrative techniques comes to research;thirdly,in the implied meaning,the indeterminacy in intentions receives high concern.According to the analysis on the text in the above aspects,findings are discovered as follows:firstly,the indeterminacy of Small World is demonstrated by subverting traditional time linear narrative,and relying on time fragments,space shifting and opening ending;secondly,indeterminacy in technique is achieved by employing narrative contingency,applying polyphony,switching narrative perspectives and setting game of language;thirdly,on the basis of the indeterminate narrative structure and technique,indeterminacy in intentions is displayed by indeterminate perspectives,language and behaviors.These indeterminate approaches of narrating give Small World more indeterminate meanings and possibilities.This thesis aims at revealing the indeterminacy of Small World and its ways of demonstrating,exploring its deeper meaning and understanding of the unlimited possibilities that are derived from indeterminacy.