Epistolary Novels and Mimetic Devices - 1256 Words

CHAPTER FIVE: Epistolary Novels And Mimetic Devices We have seen how the use of mimetic devices contributed to Still Alice and Turn of Mind. In Chapter FIVE I explore the possibility of using Facebook, (a twenty first century mode of communication), as a mimetic device to augment conventional prose fiction. In this chapter I want to show how mimetic devices such as letters, bank statements and reports have already been used in epistolary fiction so that I can consider their use as models for my own work. I touch briefly on the history of the use of mimetic devices in the epistolary novel and go on to discuss how mimetic devices in So Much For That , House Mother Normal and Flowers for Algernon allow us to hear different voices and create texture. In SMFT chapters are headed with a bank statement showing how illness drains people’s savings. In HMN, each character is preceded by a clinical report which includes their cognitive ability. FFA uses a diary or â€Å"progris report† to tell the story. I discuss how these mimetic devices contribute to the story. In the 18th century, letter writing took on great importance as a new mode of communication. (Studying the Novel 2001) In Pamela by Richardson, letters between Pamela and her family are used to tell the story of Pamela’s resistance to seduction by her employer. The reader is puzzled by the sudden cessation of Pamela’s family’s replies to her letters, only to find that this is because Pamela’s employer has insisted onShow MoreRelatedHumanities11870 Words   |  48 PagesImpressionism and Post Impressionism. National Gallery of Art. Abbeville Press Publishers, New York. MAJOR AREAS OF ART ~Literary Arts Are those presented in the written mode and intended to be read.   These include prose and poetry.  (e.g. novels, short stories, sonnet, ballad, epic, essay) ~Visual Art Are those forms perceived by the eyes.   These include painting, sculpture,  and  architecture   ~Audio Visual Art   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Are those forms perceived by both ears (audio) and