LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Cunningham, Richard

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

English

English & Theatre Studies

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate my new definition for second-person narration through Jay McInerney’s novel Bright Lights, Big City. The definitions of second-person narration provided by scholars Suzanne Keen, Brian Richardson, and Matt DelConte seemed not entirely satisfactory, so I decided to create my own. This new definition hinges on the presence of the address function which invites the reader to insert themselves as the subject of literary address. The first chapter of this thesis compares and contrasts first-, second-, and third-person narration, but this is difficult to do without a complete definition of second-person narration. With second-person narration put to the side, I examine what both first- and third-person narrations “are” and what they “do,” focusing on the effect each have on the reader. The second chapter lays out my new definition for second-person narration and details several different subcategories based on which diegetic planes the narrator, narratee, and protagonist operate on. This chapter explains how the address function fits into each kind of second-person narrative. The final chapter applies this new theory to Bright Lights, Big City, demonstrating how the address function is present throughout. In addition, I contemplate the effects the address function has on my own reading experience as I work my way through the novel. After showcasing the power of second-person narration, I conclude this thesis by asking the readers and writers to give second-person narratives a chance. Rather than dismissing second-person narration as a gimmick or writing experiment, we should take into consideration its capabilities. It is a fun, creative, and thought-provoking narrative style that deserves dedicated attention.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3452