Weekly Assignment 3 (8)
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of California, Los Angeles *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by UltraDonkeyMaster46
**Assignment Title: Time and Temporality in Contemporary Fiction**
**Objective:** To critically analyze and compare how contemporary authors explore themes of
time and temporality in their novels, examining the complexities of temporal structures, the
impact of time on characters, and the philosophical reflections on the nature of time.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose Two Contemporary Novels with Time and Temporality Themes:**
- Select two contemporary novels that prominently feature themes related to time and
temporality. Examples include "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell, "The Time Traveler's Wife" by
Audrey Niffenegger, "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders, or works of your choice.
2. **Introduction to Time and Temporality Themes:**
- Provide an introduction to the themes of time and temporality in contemporary literature.
Discuss how contemporary authors use fiction to explore the complexities of temporal structures,
the impact of time on characters, and the philosophical reflections on the nature of time.
3. **Analysis of Temporal Structures:**
- Analyze how each author portrays temporal structures within their novel. Discuss non-linear
narratives, flashbacks, or other unconventional storytelling devices employed to convey the
complexity of time in the narratives.
4. **Impact of Time on Characters:**
- Focus on the impact of time on characters within the narratives. Discuss how characters
experience and navigate the passage of time, the effects of aging, and the ways in which time
influences their relationships and identities.
5. **Philosophical Reflections on the Nature of Time:**
- Examine the philosophical reflections on the nature of time presented in the novels. Discuss
any existential or metaphysical considerations regarding time, and how characters grapple with
the conceptual aspects of past, present, and future.
6. **Temporal Themes and Cultural Context:**
- Explore how temporal themes are influenced by the cultural context presented in the novels.
Discuss how societal expectations, historical events, or cultural norms contribute to the overall
exploration of time within the narratives.
7. **Narrative Techniques for Temporal Exploration:**
- Analyze the narrative techniques used by each author for exploring time and temporality.
Discuss how storytelling devices, perspectives, and character development contribute to the
nuanced portrayal of temporal themes.
8. **Comparative Analysis of Temporal Themes:**
- Compare the exploration of temporal themes in the two novels. Discuss similarities and
differences in how the authors approach and interpret the complexities of temporal structures, the
impact of time on characters, and philosophical reflections on time.
9. **Relevance to Contemporary Understanding of Time:**
- Reflect on the relevance of the themes presented in the novels to contemporary
understandings of time. Discuss whether the issues explored by the authors remain pertinent in
today's world and contribute to ongoing discussions about the nature of time.
**Assessment Criteria:**
- Clear identification and explanation of time and temporality themes in literature.
- Thorough analysis of temporal structures, the impact of time on characters, and philosophical
reflections on time in the selected works.
- Insightful exploration of temporal themes and their cultural context, as well as narrative
techniques for temporal exploration.
- Comprehensive comparison of temporal themes in the two novels.
- Consideration of the relevance of temporal themes to contemporary understandings of time.
- Thoughtful reflection on the impact of time on characters and the narratives.
**Submission Details:**
- Submit your assignment in the agreed format to the instructor by the specified deadline.
Feel free to reach out to the instructor if you have any questions or need guidance as you work
on the assignment.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help