smh.com.au
De Kretser's "Theory and Practice": Identity, Art, and the Limits of Theory
Michelle de Kretser's "Theory and Practice" is a 2024 novel exploring identity formation through a fragmented narrative, interweaving the protagonist's personal journey in 1980s Melbourne with reflections on art, theory, and political events like Chernobyl and AIDS. The novel questions the limits of storytelling and morality.
- How does de Kretser's use of narrative structure and multiple voices contribute to the novel's exploration of contradictions and complexities in personal experience?
- The novel interweaves the narrator's personal journey with reflections on artistic influences, political events (like the Chernobyl disaster and the AIDS epidemic), and theoretical concepts, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences. The author uses the form of the novel itself to explore its themes, referencing and engaging with the works of Virginia Woolf and other literary figures. This metafictional approach emphasizes the subjective and constructed nature of identity.
- What are the key themes explored in Michelle de Kretser's "Theory and Practice," and how do these themes relate to broader contemporary concerns about identity, art, and the limitations of theory?
- Michelle de Kretser's seventh novel, "Theory and Practice," explores the complexities of identity formation and the interplay between theory and practice, using a fragmented narrative structure and multiple voices to reflect the messiness of life. The novel's protagonist grapples with personal experiences, academic pursuits, and romantic entanglements, highlighting the contradictions inherent in personal growth and artistic expression.
- What are the long-term implications of the novel's experimental form and its critical engagement with literary and political history, and what new questions does it raise for future discussions on these topics?
- Theory and Practice" anticipates future discussions on the impact of social and political events on personal identity and artistic creation. The novel's exploration of messy, contradictory experiences suggests a shift away from simplistic narratives toward embracing complexities in understanding individual lives. The fragmented, experimental form challenges traditional notions of storytelling, mirroring the complexities of the human condition.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the novel primarily through the lens of the author's personal journey and creative process. While this offers insight, it might overshadow a discussion of the novel's plot, characters, and thematic concerns. The emphasis on the 'messiness' and 'formlessness' of the novel could be interpreted as favoring a certain kind of experimental writing over more traditional narratives.
Language Bias
The review uses vivid and descriptive language, but mostly maintains a neutral tone. Terms like "morbid symptoms" could be considered slightly loaded, but are used within a context that doesn't significantly distort the overall analysis.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the author's personal journey and artistic choices, potentially overlooking broader critical perspectives on the novel's themes and literary merit. There is no discussion of the novel's reception or sales figures, nor is there an analysis of the novel within the larger context of Australian literature.
Gender Bias
The review portrays the female characters with a degree of complexity, showing both their strengths and flaws. The description of the 'red-lipsticked Designated Feminist' might be seen as a potentially stereotypical portrayal, but it's also presented within a context that allows for a more nuanced understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel explores the protagonist's academic journey, her engagement with literary figures like Virginia Woolf, and the intellectual and personal growth that stems from her university experience. This reflects positively on the importance of quality education and its role in personal development.