Analysis of Focalization: A Case of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”

Article Information

Title: Analysis of Focalization: A Case of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”

Authors: Azhar Uddin Noonari, Muhammad Ibrahim Khokhar, Rubina Shaheen

Journal: Journal of Asian Development Studies

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30

Publisher: Centre for Research on Poverty and Attitude pvt ltd

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 13

Issue: 1

Language: English

DOI: 10.62345/jads.2024.13.1.59

Keywords: The Grapes of WrathJohn SteinbeckNarratorFocalization

Abstract

Modern studies in narratology provide some fine models to study the structure of novels and stories. The modern narratological approaches divide books and stories into story, narrative, and narration. There is also a further division of these units, the focalization of which is very important. Focalization gives the idea of the center of perception, which means who the focalizer is and what is being focalized. The important advancement in this study is that this approach distinguishes between the narrator and the focalizer and states that the narrator is not always the focalizer. The Grapes of Wrath is one of John Steinbeck's best novels, and it won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To analyze the type of focalization used in John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath."

Methodology

Qualitative research employing the interpretive method (hermeneutics). The theoretical framework draws on the models of Herman and Vervaeck (2005) and Rimmon (2011) to analyze focalization.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Identify Research Objective"] --> B["Select Theoretical Framework"];
    B --> C["Choose Methodology: Qualitative/Interpretive"];
    C --> D["Analyze Text: 'The Grapes of Wrath'"];
    D --> E["Identify Focalization Types"];
    E --> F["Analyze Properties of Focalization"Space, Time, Cognition""];
    F --> G["Synthesize Findings"];
    G --> H["Formulate Conclusion"];

Discussion

The research argues that the multiple focalizations in "The Grapes of Wrath" provide readers with diverse perspectives, preventing reliance on a single, potentially unreliable viewpoint. The interplay of external and internal focalization, along with varying spatial and temporal dimensions, contributes to the novel's narrative complexity.

Key Findings

The study found both external and internal focalization in "The Grapes of Wrath." The novel exhibits multiple focalizers, including the narrator and characters like Joad and Casy. In terms of space, focalization is limited, with instances of simultaneous and panoramic views. Regarding time, the novel uses retrospective and synchronic focalization. Cognition is limited across all focalizers.

Conclusion

"The Grapes of Wrath" employs a complex system of focalization, characterized by multiple internal and external focalizers, limited cognition, and a combination of spatial and temporal focalization types. This multifaceted approach enriches the reader's understanding by offering a range of perspectives.

Fact Check

1. "The Grapes of Wrath" was published in 1939. (Confirmed by text)
2. John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962. (Confirmed by text)
3. The novel won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. (Confirmed by text)

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