This book explains the underlying structure of many narratives from ancient to modern times. After a short theoretical introduction, there follows chapters on fairy tales, medieval romance, Shakespeare, "Mansfield park" and "Great expectations", with reference to many other stories. The underlying structures of many narratives are shown to be based on the struggle towards maturity of the young hero or heroine who represents us all. Modern naturalism, however, often distorts the reception of these stories which are then dismissed as absurd, escapist or trivial. This work aims to clarify the intentions and methods of these stories, thus enabling them to be further understood and enjoyed.
- ISBN10 058201879X
- ISBN13 9780582018792
- Publish Date 14 December 1988 (first published 31 December 1980)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 1 November 2009
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Pearson Education Limited
- Imprint Longman
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback (UK Trade)
- Pages 200
- Language English