Abstract

 “My Father’s Tears”, as one of the best short stories composed by John Updike, containing limitless profound meanings in its limited length. From the perspective of its meaning, the story explores human’s inner world as well as the relation with the outside world in the narration of several critical junctures in life. In form, the arrangement of spaces in the story is impressive, as there are three places own the traits of heterotopia that put forward by Michel Foucault. This thesis analyses the heterotopias in this short story, as they function a lot in the story both in theme and in form. Moreover, this thesis helps to explore the reasons of John Updike’s inclination in setting heterotopias. Updike’s arrangement of spaces indeed reflects his philosophy of composition and pursuit in literature that closely related with the social background. Finally, this thesis emphasizes the importance of spatial perspective in interpreting literary works.

Keywords: John Updike; heterotopias; space; relation

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1 Introduction-1

1.1 Literature Review-1

1.2 Background and Significance-1

1.3 Structure of the paper-2

2. Heterotopias-4

2.1 Understanding Heterotopias-4

2.2 Studies on Analyzing Heterotopias in Literary Works-4

3. Heterotopias in “My Father’s Tears”-6

3.1 Multiple veils of Alton station-6

3.2 The abandoned farmhouse in Vermont as a heterotopia-7

3.3 Jim’s hometown in Pennsylvania as a heterotopia-9

4. Reasons of Heterotopias in “My Father’s Tears”-11

4.1 John Updike’s philosophy of composition-11

4.2 Related Social Background of John Updike’s Time-11

Chapter 5 Conclusion-13

5.1 A Summary of This Essay-13

5.2 The Value of the Research-13

References-14