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Research on the Anti-myth Narration in Doctorow’s The March

Author(s)

Fucheng Shang

Affiliation(s)

Gansu University of Political Science and Law, Lanzhou, Gansu, China *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

In the novel The March, the well-known American writer E.L. Doctorow, through the concrete manifestation of his historical perspectives and with the assistance of the anti-myth narrative strategy, has carried out subversive rewritings of the existing narrative patterns of three myths: the myth of southern women, the myth of America’s sacred founding, and the myth of the just war between the North and the South. This is a bold and incisive literary exploration. By deconstructing these well-established myths, Doctorow challenges the traditional understanding and interpretation of history. He shows that the official grand narrative often simplifies and distorts the complexity of historical events. By returning the right of speech to the creators of history, namely those ordinary people, he gives a voice to the silent majority. This allows readers to see history from a different perspective, one that is more in line with the real experiences and emotions of individuals. It is as if he has opened a hidden door, leading readers into a world where history is not just a collection of facts and dates but a rich tapestry of human stories and struggles. This new way of understanding history not only enriches our knowledge but also makes us reflect on the nature and meaning of history itself.

Keywords

E.L. Doctorow; The March; Anti-myth; Historical Perspective; History Creators

References

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