Date of Award
8-2017
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
Committee Chair(s)
Lynne McNeill
Committee
Lynne McNeill
Committee
Jeannie Thomas
Committee
Brock Dethier
Abstract
This thesis analyzed the narrative devices women use when telling difficult or sad stories in familial settings. I documented a story told by my mother, Myrle Hoagland, about the death of her twin brother at age 17. I provided a textual analysis concentrating on the storyteller’s use of silence, additional information, and non-linear structure, to provide meaning and instruction to her family. I also contextually analyzed the story, illuminating the unique way informal learning affected the storyteller’s performance. My analysis demonstrated how I, as an emic ethnographer, documented a familiar story about a death in my family. Upon deeper study, the storyteller attempted to instruct both consciously and subconsciously on topics about sexuality, economics, motherhood, and identity. This thesis is a case study of how women in my family use narrative devices such as silence, overlays, and performative variations to both project and withhold meaning.
Recommended Citation
Allred, Deanna, "I Heard But Didn't Hear Analyzing Women's Narrative Devices in Difficult Family Stories" (2017). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1094.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1094
Included in
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .