Narrative Bridges:Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Fictional Historiography in Hayden White’s Context

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of English, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Master's student of the Department of English Language and Literature, University of Kurdistan

Abstract

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate interplay of history and fiction, specifically focusing on how history is narrativised according to Hayden White views. The central argument posits that conventional historical texts, influenced by the constraints posed by thinkers like Marx and Lukacs, encounter limitations in their comprehensive exploration of the past, forecasting the future, and guiding the present. In contrast, Hayden White contends for the superiority of fictional texts, asserting their capacity to provide a more accurate portrayal of history. This superiority is derived from their unique ability to present multiple viewpoints, circumvent censorship, and depict historical events in a captivating manner. To substantiate this assertion, the paper conducts a detailed analysis of Don DeLillo's novel Cosmopolis, set in the year 2000, which remarkably anticipates the economic upheavals experienced from 2008 to 2011. The novel serves as a lens into America's economic history, illustrating the protagonist's contemporary life amidst technology use and interactions with diverse individuals. Grounded in Hayden White's theoretical framework, the paper argues that fictional texts, exemplified by Cosmopolis, offer a more comprehensive and precise understanding of history by embracing a broader range of perspectives than traditional historical books. This approach contributes significantly to a more nuanced interpretation of historical events.

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References

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Literary Discourse Analysis
Volume 1, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
February 2024
Pages 65-86

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