An Analysis Of Narrative Functions Of Nick And Jake In Their Respective Works In The Horizon Of Narratology

In 1925, F. S. Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby and established his position in the history of modern American literature. In 1926, Ernest Hemingway published his first novel The Sun Also Rises. The novel was established on his unique narrative techniques "the iceberg theory". It was considered as one of the outstanding novels of "the Lost Generation". As outstanding representatives of "the Lost Generation", the two writers tried to reflect the condition of the United States after the first world war. At that time, the material wealth was prosperous, while people’s spiritual level was extremely empty. They deeply condemned the destruction of the imperialist war not only on the body but on the spirit of the young generation. The thesis will try to compare the narrative functions of Nick Carraway with that of Jake Barnes in their respective novels by adopting the narrative focus theory which belongs to narratology. The aim of comparison is to find their similarities and differences and further expounds the roles they play in the narration of their respective works.In the first chapter, the narrative theory and the narrative focus theory will be discussed. It mainly discusses the development and content of the narrative theory. In the second chapter, The Great Gatsby is analyzed from the perspective of narratology. Firstly, there will be a brief introduction to the work. Then the narrative characteristics of the work will be explained from three aspects. In the third chapter, the work The Sun Also Rises will be analyzed from the narrative perspective. At first, the work will be introduced briefly. Then the narrative characteristics of the work will be explained.In the fourth chapter, the narrative functions of the narrators in the two novels will be compared. First, the narrative functions of Nick will be analyzed. Then the narrative functions of Jake will be studied. At last, the similarities and differences of their narrative functions will be discussed. Besides, the thesis will further expound the roles they play in exposing the meanings in their respective works. In the fifth chapter, the aesthetic value and significance of the narrative art of Hemingway and Fitzgerald will be discussed. Two writers put their own personal experiences and feelings of the life into their works. They created works with the color of autobiography. Beautiful language and unique narrative styles are adopted in their works.The conclusion part summarizes the narrative functions of the narrators in the two works. It also points out the aesthetic significance the two works reveal. The purport of their works is not confined to the atmosphere of being depressed and confused. On the contrary, they show profound practical significance. They try to get people to know the true meaning in life. To realize the dreams of life, what one should do is not only fantasy. People should not be immersed in feeling painful, confused, unable to extricate ourselves. They should be down-to-earth and overcome the difficulties and obstacles and go forward courageously.