Final thesis contents to hyperlink July 08

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POSSESSED BY DESIRE: A. S BYATT’S POSSESSION AND ITS LOCATION 
IN POSTMODERNISM 
 
Susan Margaret Arthur 
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of English, University of the Witwatersrand, 
Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of 
Arts by Coursework and Research report.
Johannesburg, 2008 
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ABSTRACT 
This research report explores A. S Byatt’s ambivalent relationship to postmodernism 
through a critical engagement with two of her recent novels, Possession and The 
Biographer’s Tale. Both use the techniques, while simultaneously constituting a 
critique, of postmodernism. The novels challenge postmodernism, indicating Byatt’s 
misgivings about the continuing suitability of this mode of literary representation. 
Possession is examined in detail, while The Biographer’s Tale is used to provide a 
backdrop to the discussion of Byatt’s viewpoints. Possession is a pastiche of styles, 
incorporating some of Byatt’s favourite literary forms. Postmodernism allows this 
experimentation but disregards qualities the author values highly, such as a 
celebration of traditional literature and the emotional affectiveness of history. 
Possession considers the positive and negative aspects of the literary movement. This 
thesis examines Byatt’s negotiation with postmodernism and the contribution of her 
critical attitude towards the success of Possession. 

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DECLARATION 
I declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work. It is submitted for the degree 
of Master of Arts in English Literature by course work and research report in the 
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for 
any other degree or examination in any other university. 
Susan Margaret Arthur 
16th day of July, 2008

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