Analyzing Ralph Messenger's Flashbacks and Present Conflicts in David Lodge's Narrative
In Chapter 15 of David Lodge's work, we engage with Ralph Messenger, a professor at Cheltenham’s University, who finds himself caught in a traffic jam. Through a series of flashbacks, the narrative explores his passionate affair with Isabel Hotchkiss and contrasts it with his current relationship with his wife, Carrie. The chapter employs stream-of-consciousness and direct speech, effectively revealing Ralph's internal struggles and the complexities of memory. The message suggests that reflecting on past experiences can aid in improving present circumstances.
Analyzing Ralph Messenger's Flashbacks and Present Conflicts in David Lodge's Narrative
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Presentation Transcript
Enrica Dreossi, Federica Rossetti Thinks…(Chapter 15) David Lodge
SHORT DENOTATIVE ANALYSIS: • Ralph Messenger is in tailback • Flashback of Ralph: Isabel Hotchkiss, their sexual intercourse and San Diego • Come back to present: sexual intercourse between Ralph and his wife
CHARACTERS: • Ralph Messenger (the main character, a professor at Cheltenham’s University) • Isabel Hotchkiss ( works with Ralph, she is his lover) • Carrie (Ralph’s wife)
SETTING: • Inner Ring (the street where Ralph is in tailback) • Hotel in San Diego • Ralph and Carrie’s house (their bedroom)
NARRATIVE TECNIQUE: • Stream of consciousness • Flashback • Direct speech • Free direct speech
MESSAGE: • Remembering the past we can try to improve our present
SPACE AND TIME: • Monday, 17th March, 9.10-9.35 a.m. • Sunday 16th March
NEW LANGUAGE AND INFO WE LEARNED: • trap= boccaccia • purdah= reclusione donne società musulmana e indù • bloke= tizio, vecchione • to have a bit of time in hand= avere un po’ di tempo a disposizione • to dim= affievolire • To nod=fare un cenno col capo • to frow=disapprovare • to truant=marinare la scuola • hem=orlo