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Abstract: My thesis is that Virginia Woolf subverts the conventional notion of time and in refusing to accept the chronological sequence of time, adopts Henri Bergson's time philosophy. The common ground between these two authors is analysed through their interest in human consciousness, their epistemological interest in the interaction between memory and perception, their adoption of a specific world-view and the importance of imagery in strengthening thematic content. Woolf’s treatment of philosophical concepts of time, memory and intuition indicates that she is predominately influenced by Bergson. Though not conclusive, the analysis may contribute to our understanding of Woolf’s fiction and illuminate certain aspects of Woolf's work. Using Woolf's novels To the Lighthouse and The Waves as primary texts to elucidate the human experience of time, provides sufficient evidence to prove that Woolf’s system of ideas relies on Bergsonian time philosophy; in particular, the research aims to prove that Woolf fully adhered to his conceptualization of dualist temporality and built her fiction upon Bergsonian dualisms. In this context, we unravel the importance of unity, continuity, epiphany and intuition. These concepts are used to explore the unified experience of time and hold the key to temporal illumination, for in illuminating transience, Woolf also illuminates the manner of transcending it. Thus, she creates a viewpoint that discloses continuity and unfolds in unity. By combining apparently irreconcilable dualisms, she reveals the Bergsonian idea of the multiplicity of conscious states and surpasses the absurdity of life; in other words, this philosophy provides Woolf with a key to answering the existential question of the meaning of life.
Keywords: Virginia Woolf, Henri Bergson, existentialism, modernism, To the Lighthouse, The Waves, dualisms, time, duration, multiplicity, consciousness, unity, continuity, epiphany, and intuition.
Published in DKUM: 08.01.2019; Views: 2153; Downloads: 221
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Abstract: The graduation thesis presents Michael Cunningham's The Hours. The novel is a Postmodernist work, based on Virginia Woolf's modernist novel Mrs Dalloway. The thesis explores the intertextual relations between the two works and discovers features of adaptation and appropriation. The intertextual analysis is based on several original intertexts: Mrs Dalloway, Woolf’s letters and her life itself. The characteristics of The Hours as an intertextual work, as adaptation and appropriation are supported with examples from the text and with theories by Gerard Genette, Julie Sanders and Linda Hutcheon. Intertextuality is divided into quotation, allusion and paratextuality in the thesis; adaptation is illustrated with specific examples, and appropriation is discussed within the frames of a riff and other imitation features of The Hours. The thesis deals with several elements of The Hours, such as motifs, themes, names of the characters, imitation of Woolf’s style and settings which are presented as intertextual examples or/and as characteristics of adaptation and appropriation. In accordance with Postmodernist principles, the importance of the reader is stressed in order for him/her to perceive the intertextual, adaptive and appropriated features of the novel. The Hours can be perceived as intertextual work or as adaptation and/or appropriation.
Keywords: The Hours, Mrs Dalloway, intertextuality, adaptation, appropriation, postmodernism, modernism.
Published in DKUM: 25.03.2016; Views: 2446; Downloads: 185
Full text (818,11 KB)