Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex

Vernon Subutex by Virginie Despentes challenges the traditional forms of the novel in favor of an epistemology that highlights minor and off-centre voices, and questions the individualized consciences of its characters. Through social evolution, the author draws up a map of the Parisian society and...

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Main Author: Ruth Amar
Format: Article
Language:deu
Published: Dalhousie University 2023-12-01
Series:Belphégor
Subjects:
Online Access:http://journals.openedition.org/belphegor/5643
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author Ruth Amar
author_facet Ruth Amar
author_sort Ruth Amar
collection DOAJ
description Vernon Subutex by Virginie Despentes challenges the traditional forms of the novel in favor of an epistemology that highlights minor and off-centre voices, and questions the individualized consciences of its characters. Through social evolution, the author draws up a map of the Parisian society and reveals investigative and writing practices, the expressiveness of voices and their ways of carrying “lifeforms” which become central to ethical and political contemporary philosophies. To begin, this analysis delves into the intricate polyphonic narrative architecture of Vernon Subutex and explores the hermeneutical and ethical complexities it presents. At the heart of this narrative structure lies one of the defining features of modern individualism and pluralism, effectively mirroring a form of democratic discourse within the novel. Here polyphony encompasses divergent voices, each offering their perspective on the same event. Secondly, this article dwells on the reasons for the author’s choice to borrow this specific narrative architecture. This examination prompts us to grapple with fundamental questions regarding the author's responsibility and commitment, and, in a broader context, urges us to consider the evolving role and responsibilities of contemporary writers in a dynamically shifting literary landscape.
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spelling doaj.art-7a6563690e734358828605bb21f00aeb2024-01-09T15:09:44ZdeuDalhousie UniversityBelphégor1499-71852023-12-01Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon SubutexRuth AmarVernon Subutex by Virginie Despentes challenges the traditional forms of the novel in favor of an epistemology that highlights minor and off-centre voices, and questions the individualized consciences of its characters. Through social evolution, the author draws up a map of the Parisian society and reveals investigative and writing practices, the expressiveness of voices and their ways of carrying “lifeforms” which become central to ethical and political contemporary philosophies. To begin, this analysis delves into the intricate polyphonic narrative architecture of Vernon Subutex and explores the hermeneutical and ethical complexities it presents. At the heart of this narrative structure lies one of the defining features of modern individualism and pluralism, effectively mirroring a form of democratic discourse within the novel. Here polyphony encompasses divergent voices, each offering their perspective on the same event. Secondly, this article dwells on the reasons for the author’s choice to borrow this specific narrative architecture. This examination prompts us to grapple with fundamental questions regarding the author's responsibility and commitment, and, in a broader context, urges us to consider the evolving role and responsibilities of contemporary writers in a dynamically shifting literary landscape.http://journals.openedition.org/belphegor/5643narrative architecturepolyphonyvoiceinvestigationcommitment
spellingShingle Ruth Amar
Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
Belphégor
narrative architecture
polyphony
voice
investigation
commitment
title Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
title_full Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
title_fullStr Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
title_full_unstemmed Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
title_short Virginie Despentes’ Commitment and the Polyphonic Narration of Vernon Subutex
title_sort virginie despentes commitment and the polyphonic narration of vernon subutex
topic narrative architecture
polyphony
voice
investigation
commitment
url http://journals.openedition.org/belphegor/5643
work_keys_str_mv AT ruthamar virginiedespentescommitmentandthepolyphonicnarrationofvernonsubutex