English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

6-23-1972

Abstract

The function of literary allusion and homiletic phrasing in E. M. Forster's fiction has not been adequately analyzed. Such a consideration offers insight into Forster's means of structuring his fiction and his concept of rhythm. It can be shown that in both small and large ways, in the construction of phrases, in sustained dialog and in comments by the narrator, in quips and in speeches, Forster's short stories work allusively and homiletically. Moreover, all of Forster's fiction demonstrates allusive repetition of and reference to not just other works of literature but to itself. His own short stories merit careful attention as testing grounds for each other and for the novels. Although allusiveness is reflected most recognizably in the titles he chose for his fiction (e.g., Where Angels Fear to Tread, The Longest Journey, and A Passage to India), it cannot be separated from his handling of words and the thematic and stylistic development to which they contribute. If one views Forster's tales and novels as repetitive variations of the motif which Forster calls the eternal moment, the tale, "The Eternal Moment" is central to his fiction. Somewhere in all of Forster's fiction there is the tragedy of an eternal moment missed or the glory of an eternal moment experienced. Friends may counsel, brothers may guide, family may help or hinder. But through all the personal relationships and in all the places of beauty or ugliness, run allusions and homilies bringing a rhythmical beauty and truth of their own. The tales and the novels can thus be grouped around the theme of experiencing, continuing or missing an eternal moment. One soon finds that in keeping with the spirit of satire and parody, Forster inverts homilies and allusions. Many times the homilies are themselves allusions. Many times literary allusion is simply used and not parodied. From the tales to the novels this "style" is characteristic. The tales are not to be dismissed as mere fantasies which Forster wrote while young and soon forgot. Forster did not abandon the way he went about writing his tales. He just refined his technique and applied it to the demands of the novel.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Frederick Bolton Warner, Jr.

Second Committee Member

George Warren Arms

Third Committee Member

Paul Benjamin Davis

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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