ENG2613 Exam Semester 2 2023
SECTION A: Short Paragraph Questions (60 marks)
Question 1
In two paragraphs and in your own words,
• DEFINE what a POSTMODERN story is.
• Name and briefly describe 4 of the features of a postmodern story to
substantiate your answer.
• Then, explain wh...
, SECTION A: Short Paragraph Questions (60 marks)
Question 1
Definition of a POSTMODERN story:
A postmodern story is one that challenges traditional narrative forms and conventional
notions of reality. Rather than adhering to a linear plot or established character
archetypes, postmodern stories often blur the boundaries between fiction and reality,
embracing ambiguity, paradox, and irony.
4 Features of a Postmodern Story:
1. Metafiction: Stories that are self-referential, drawing attention to their own
storytelling process.
2. Intertextuality: The text draws upon or references other texts, cultures, or media.
3. Nonlinear Narrative: The story does not follow a straightforward, chronological
sequence.
4. Ambiguity: Open to multiple interpretations, often leaving readers with more
questions than answers.
Why 'Having a Ball' Can Be Considered a POSTMODERN Story:
"Having a Ball" employs several features commonly associated with postmodern literature.
1. Metafiction: The story acknowledges its own existence as a narrative by using first-
person narration and directly addressing the reader ("I’m Spot, by the way. Enjoy
the party.").
2. Intertextuality: While not directly referencing other texts, it does play with the
familiar concept of pets and their 'human pets,' subverting our normal
understanding of the human-animal dynamic.
3. Ambiguity: The story leaves many questions unanswered, like what kind of party it
is, who the 'human pets' are, and what Spot’s world is like beyond what is
described.
Quotes to Support Features:
1. Metafiction: "I’m Spot, by the way. Enjoy the party."
2. Intertextuality: "It wouldn’t look right if my human pets did the meet and greet bark,
would it?"
3. Ambiguity: "So many to see and to fuss over me."
Marks Breakdown:
• Definition = 2 marks
• 4 Features Named = 4 marks
• 4 Features Described = 4 marks
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