Spiritual Predicament In The Night Watch: A Perspective Of Spatial Narrative

Taking Gabriel Zoran’s spatial criticism theory as the primary basis,this thesis aims to analyze the spatial narrative in The Night Watch.By scrutinizing topographical space,chronotopic space and textual space respectively,it explores the representation of the spiritual predicament faced by the four main characters in different spatial levels.It also delves into the dynamic process of and reasons for their falling into spiritual predicament and the struggles they make in trying to extricate themselves from the predicament.Through spatial narrative,Waters effectively conveys the spiritual states of her characters.A thorough exploration of spatial narrative provides valuable insights into the inner states and spiritual struggles of the characters.In the first chapter,Kay’s room and Mr.Mundy’s house are selected for investigation at the level of topographical space.The topographical spaces inhabited by Kay and Duncan reflect their inability to adapt to post-war life and thus fall into a mental state of passive avoidance.The second chapter deliberates on the chronotopic space from two perspectives: the synchronic relations and the diachronic relations.From the perspective of synchronic relations,the different states of Duncan and Viv are examined.Through an analysis of diachronic relations,it shows the dynamic process of and reasons for Viv and Helen’s fall into spiritual distress as well as their struggle to free themselves from it.Unacceptable to their surroundings and society,they persistently repress their feelings,unable to reveal themselves to others.In the third chapter,the study of selective language,recurring imagery and a unique reverse chronological order of narration reveals the discontinuous and fractured textual space.It devotes to how Waters represents the character’s spiritual predicament of loss of hope and vitality for the future through the construction of such a textual space.Departing from the Victorian London setting found in her previous works,Waters instead places The Night Watch in Second World War-era London.The Night Watch highlights strong spatiality.This thesis demonstrates Waters’ s concerns for the survival of marginalized groups and her deep regard for the world of the human mind by investigating the living and spiritual conditions of the marginalized living in London during and after the Second World War,which have been overlooked in the historical discourse.In addition,it seeks to promote awareness and introspection about their survival and spiritual conditions and to shed light on addressing the social problem of the spiritual conditions of marginalized groups in contemporary society.