This article examines narrative functions of the interludes containing descriptions of nature dynamics in Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse” and “The Years”. An analysis of specific examples of such descriptions in terms of Gerard Genette’s narratology, as well as an exploration of the writer's manuscripts, in which these descriptions were continuously revised, allows us to conclude that the same techniques are used for different purposes in these two novels. In “To the Lighthouse” the spirituallized natural element appears as an independent character. The novel’s narrative focuses almost entirely on the nature, which turns out to be an innovative artistic technique. In “The Years” these descriptions often play a utilitarian part and serve for the unity of the composition, which suggests that each chapter shall open with a description of nature. However, some functions of these nature interludes are similar in the novels. They function as “corridors” connecting other parts of the novels and make their compositional structure united. Besides, they define the representation of time in the novels. They symbolically signify the passage of time, while at the same time creating an impression of “timelessness” that was conceptually important for Woolf.
Reference to article:
Gavritskov A. N. Narrative functions of the interludes in Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse” and “The Years” // Ivanovo State University Bulletin. Series «The Humanities». 2021. No.1. P. 9-15.