Exploring Loneliness, Aging, and Memory in Margaret Atwood’s Old Babes in the Wood: A Narrative Analysis

Authors

  • Malaikka Putri Universitas Pamulang
  • Niky Putri Yana Universitas Pamulang
  • Octavia Sinatra Universitas Pamulang
  • Shalsa Pradani Septiana Universitas Pamulang

Keywords:

aging, human condition, loneliness, Margaret Atwood, memory, narrative strategies

Abstract

This study explores Margaret Atwood's narrative strategies in depicting the complexities of human life, particularly in her short story Old Babes in the Wood. By employing a systematic literary analysis approach, the study delves into themes such as loneliness and aging, highlighting their relevance within the story and their potential to stimulate readers’ reflection on broader social and cultural contexts. Through the exploration of universal themes, the research demonstrates how literature can provoke critical thought regarding societal values and norms. Atwood’s narrative in Old Babes in the Wood offers deep insights into the intricate interplay between aging and memory, encouraging readers to reflect on life’s uncertainties and how individuals come to terms with their past while facing present realities. The study concludes that Old Babes in the Wood transcends personal struggles, serving as a broader reflection of the human condition.

 

References

Atwood, M. (2023). Old Babes in the Wood. McClelland & Stewart.

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Jones, L. (2020). "Time and Identity in the Works of Margaret Atwood." Modern Literature Review, 34(1), 112-130.

Miller, S. (2023). "Narrative Techniques in Atwood’s Short Stories: Analyzing Old Babes in the Wood." Literary Critique Today, 27(2), 101-118.

Roberts, A. (2022). "Mortality and Aging in Atwood’s Later Works." Journal of Aging and Literature, 18(4), 59-74.

Smith, K., & Johnson, R. (2021). "Exploring Memory in Margaret Atwood’s Fiction." Canadian Literature Journal, 55(2), 42-57.

Taylor, M. (2022). "Social Commentary through Fiction: Margaret Atwood’s Narrative Impact." International Journal of Literary Studies, 67(1), 88-97.

Williams, G. (2021). "Fragmented Memory and the Construction of Self in Atwood’s Old Babes in the Wood." Narrative Inquiry, 14(3), 135-149.

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Published

2024-10-13

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Paradigma Lingua: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa dan Sastra

Section

Articles

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