THE FLUIDITY OF TIME: ANALYZING TEMPORAL DYNAMICS IN LITERARY WORKS
Alien Makenzie , University of South AfricaAbstract
This paper examines the fluidity of time in literary works, highlighting how authors manipulate temporal structures to enrich narrative complexity and deepen thematic exploration. By analyzing various texts across genres and periods, the study investigates the interplay between linear and non-linear timelines, the use of flashbacks and foreshadowing, and the impact of narrative perspective on the perception of time. Through close readings of selected works, the research reveals how temporal dynamics shape character development, plot progression, and reader engagement. The paper argues that understanding these temporal structures is essential for a comprehensive interpretation of literary texts, as they reflect broader cultural and philosophical inquiries into the nature of time itself.
Keywords
Temporal dynamics, Literary analysis, Non-linear narratives
References
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