A Reader's Guide to John BarthBarth's complex, controversial models of ideas are interpreted to guide the intelligent first reader through these virtuoso presentations of the narrative process. Explicating the text with attention to published criticism on Barth and to Barth's own published literary theory as well as the theory intrinsic to the novels, Zack Bowen carefully builds an informed perspective on the fiction. Each of the ten major works is considered separately but with references to ideas and patterns discernible in other Barth works. Selected recurring themes and techniques and a biographical note are included in the appendixes. Bowen surveys the most valuable criticism as part of his introduction and provides a substantial bibliography of books and articles on the body of work, the individual works, and Barth's other publications and interviews. |
Contents
Barth as Poet Laureate in | 21 |
Giles GoatBoy | 35 |
Lost in the Funhouse | 51 |
Copyright | |
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action already Ambrose answers appear artistic aspects attempt becomes beginning Behler characters Chesapeake Chimera comic composition conclusion contemporary continuing creating creation creative critics discussed Doctor earlier early entire experience fiction fictive figure final Floating Opera followed frame Funhouse Giles heroes human idea inspiration involves Jake John Barth journey later least LETTERS literary literature lives Lost major meaning Metafiction metaphor moral narrative narrator nature never novel original parody past pattern philosophical play plot present Press principal problems published question reader reading reason represents Road role Sabbatical Scheherazade seems sense sexual similar Sinbad sort Sot-Weed story structure successive surrogate tale tells theme Tidewater Tiresias Todd Todd's traditional truth twin ultimate understand University Voyage whole women writing