"To Understand Me, You'll Have to Swallow a World:" Understanding Rhetorical Confusion in Transnational Literature
Author
Kliman, Jaclyn
Abstract
This thesis aims to define and explore the concept of rhetorical confusion as a pattern that exists within transnational literature. Specifically, rhetorical confusion is defined as a trend within transnational texts in which necessary information or clarification is not provided to a reader, in regards to a country's history, politics, or language. As a result, readers may experience discomfort as they read. Understanding and codifying rhetorical confusion, however, allows the opportunity for the unfamiliar reader to garner a better sense of understanding of a text's subject country or culture. The application of rhetorical confusion is demonstrated by exploring the ways in which Salman Rushdie's reimagining of India's history in Midnight's Children may be beneficial or detrimental to the unfamiliar reader. Additionally, NoViolet Bulawayo's We Need New Names establishes how rhetorical confusion can provide a reader with a greater sense of empathy for protagonist Darling. This thesis progresses to demonstrate the need to continue the conversation surrounding rhetorical confusion by examining Mohsin Hamid's Exit West.
Subject
Date
2019-04-23
Citation:
APA:
Kliman, Jaclyn.
(April 2019).
"To Understand Me, You'll Have to Swallow a World:" Understanding Rhetorical Confusion in Transnational Literature
(Master's Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/7249.)
MLA:
Kliman, Jaclyn.
"To Understand Me, You'll Have to Swallow a World:" Understanding Rhetorical Confusion in Transnational Literature.
Master's Thesis. East Carolina University,
April 2019. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/7249.
September 25, 2023.
Chicago:
Kliman, Jaclyn,
“"To Understand Me, You'll Have to Swallow a World:" Understanding Rhetorical Confusion in Transnational Literature”
(Master's Thesis., East Carolina University,
April 2019).
AMA:
Kliman, Jaclyn.
"To Understand Me, You'll Have to Swallow a World:" Understanding Rhetorical Confusion in Transnational Literature
[Master's Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
April 2019.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University