Markus Widmer-Dean Knihy

The essay explores the concept of the Jacobin novel through the lens of William Godwin's "Caleb Williams." It examines various definitions of the term, focusing first on the political context surrounding Godwin. The discussion then shifts to the political philosophy embedded within the narrative, followed by an analysis of the novel's aesthetics. The essay aims to determine if the aesthetic elements align or conflict with the political themes presented, offering a comprehensive critique of the text's multifaceted nature.

Focusing on metafiction, the essay explores how Tristram Shandy challenges traditional narrative conventions, particularly those related to the representation of time. By applying conventional narratological terms, the author demonstrates their inadequacy in capturing the novel's unique structure. The analysis highlights the interplay between story, text, and narration, revealing the complexities of narrative fiction as discussed by theorists like Patricia Waugh and Rimmon-Kenan. This examination emphasizes the innovative qualities of Tristram Shandy in the context of literary studies.

Exploring the intersection of Philip K. Dick's science fiction and postmodernist theory, this thesis delves into themes of human identity and the nature of reality in a seemingly deceptive world. It highlights the parallels between Dick's work and the ideas of theorists like Jameson, Baudrillard, and McHale, who share an appreciation for the genre. The analysis reveals insights not only into Dick's literary style but also into contemporary existential questions, making it relevant to our understanding of life in an era that surpasses even science fiction's imagination.

The essay explores Chicano identity through an analysis of two distinct texts: Tomás Rivera's ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him and Richard Rodriguez's Hunger of Memory. It begins by examining the contextual differences between the works, followed by an exploration of the definitions of identity they present. The discussion delves into how each narrative articulates a quest for identity, ultimately questioning whether Chicano identity is cohesive or fragmented. This examination highlights the complexities of cultural identity within the Mexican-American experience.

Focusing on Emily Dickinson's poem #280, this seminar paper analyzes the theme of mental breakdown and its impact on the lyrical self. It explores the nature of the breakdown depicted in the poem and its consequences, ultimately concluding that Dickinson suggests a transformative perception that transcends conventional sanity. The paper highlights how this perspective is intricately reflected in the poem's language, offering a profound insight into the complexities of the human psyche.

The study analyzes 80 lexicographic definitions from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary to determine if similar words are defined similarly. It categorizes the words based on part of speech, concreteness, and frequency, while exploring eight distinct definition methods. The findings reveal that both concreteness and part of speech significantly influence the definitions provided in the dictionary, offering insights into lexicographic practices and the relationship between word characteristics and their definitions.

Focusing on Los Angeles as a postmodern space, the essay explores its unique characteristics that set it apart from other cities. It examines geographical instability, highlighting the city's vulnerability to natural disasters and its expansive, decentralized layout. The discussion includes the significance of freeways as a connective network and the metaphorical and literal walls that create segregation. Ultimately, the essay draws parallels between the city's instability and broader postmodern themes, asserting Los Angeles as a distinct representation of postmodernity.

The paper analyzes how the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight navigates and occasionally subverts the conventions of the Arthurian romance genre. It begins with a structuralist definition of the genre and identifies common motifs. Following this groundwork, the discussion focuses on the poem's generic structure and highlights moments where the poet ironically challenges the reader's expectations, revealing a deeper commentary on the genre itself.

Die Studienarbeit analysiert Robert Altmans "Short Cuts" und beleuchtet die Herausforderungen eines Films ohne Hauptfigur. Sie vergleicht das klassische Hollywood-Modell mit der Figurenkonstellation in "Short Cuts" und untersucht Altmans Strategien zur Problemlösung, insbesondere durch die Vernetzung von Figuren und die Konzepte von Kohäsion und Kohärenz.