Narrative Nuance
Asynchronous Session
Featured Of Sea, Space and Self-Reflexivity: Reading “Ship of Theseus” in S.
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Abhirami Ajith Kumar
In the labyrinthine depths of S., a contemporary experimental fiction, the Ship of Theseus serves as a vessel of self-discovery. Beyond a metaphor, sea is an idea, a medium and a space in the novel where the proverbial “ship” is occupied. Theseus, the mythical hero, after killing the Minotaur, is on an expedition on his ship and “Ship of Theseus,” the inner text of the novel, accommodates the conversations of the characters of the outer text, S., on its margins. In “Ship of Theseus,” the central character S. is an amnesiac who is trying to learn more about himself. S. copes with his memory loss by recreating his true disposition, only to be overshadowed by the remnants of the things he used to be, representing the metaphysical puzzle of the Ship of Theseus. The undercurrent that holds the narrative complexities, including the detachable paratextual elements in the text, is its characteristic self-reflexivity. The paper semiotically analyzes the experimental manifestation of the oceanic journey, while examining how the Ship of Theseus, both a physical object and a conceptual construct, embodies the paradoxes of identity, memory, and consciousness. It also looks at sea as a boundary, particularly between the known and unknown and several other binaries. The primary motive of the paper is to investigate the metaphorical, literary and symbolic significance of the ship in S. and its correlation to self-reflexivity as a narrative strategy.
Masculinity, Aging, and Home in Joanna McClelland Glass’s Trying
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Chin-ying Chang
This paper investigates the intersection between masculinity and aging within the domestic sphere in the play Trying (2004) by the Canadian playwright Joanna McClelland Glass. The research focuses on three issues. The first issue concerns aging males who grapple with their diminishing physical capabilities. Glass’s play challenges traditional notions of masculinity and encourages a more empathetic and critical examination of how men experience aging. The second issue concerns aging males who struggle to reconcile their sense of masculinity with the realities of aging both at home and in broader society. By highlighting the internal conflicts faced by aging men as they negotiate their gender roles, Glass’s play invites the audience to reflect on the societal pressures and personal insecurities that shape male identities. The third issue explores men’s problems with home life as they intend to prove their manhood. By focusing on the home as a space where traditional gender roles are both maintained and challenged, Glass highlights the interactions between gender, aging, and domesticity and provides insight into the topics of masculinity and aging.
Featured From Tradition to Modernity: Literary and Ethnographic Reflections on Gender and Aging in the Satsunan Islands
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Rika Ohira
This research examines how literature, including poems and folk songs from the Satsunan Islands, reflects changing perceptions toward aging and gender in the transition from tradition to modernity. By analyzing gerontological themes in these texts and comparing them with real-world experiences, the study explores how traditional values and modern influences shape the aging process. The research integrates literary analysis of works such as Toryu Nikki with ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews with elderly residents and community members. Through narrative analysis, this study aims to uncover how caregiving norms, gender roles, and social well-being are negotiated in rural island communities. The findings will contribute to discussions in gerontology, cultural studies, and Japanese literature by illustrating the interplay between historical traditions and contemporary societal transformations. This research aims to provide insights into the resilience of traditional caregiving practices and the evolving identity of aging populations in Japan’s remote islands.
Fluid Narratives: Hydrofeminist Thought in Sarah Hall’s Fiction
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Anita Chmielewska
Renown for her engagement with feminist and environmental themes embedded in the landscapes of the UK, Sarah Hall (b. 1974) has become one of the most promising contemporary British authors. While critics have explored various aspects of her work, less attention has been paid to how her fiction intersects with Astrida Neimanis’ concept of hydrofeminism, as discussed in Bodies of Water (2017). Hydrofeminism, an increasingly influential theoretical framework, emphasizes the water-based interconnectedness of all organisms, showcasing fluidity as a fundamental force that shapes connections within nature. This analysis examines the role of water and fluidity in Hall’s novels by tracing the development of hydrofeminist ideas through Haweswater (2002), How to Paint a Dead Man (2009), and Burntcoat (2021).
