Rufus Dawes and Changing Narrative Perspectives in His Natural Life

Abstract

McDonald attempts to show how Clarke’s narrative technique reconciles naturalistic and melodramatic elements. The use of a shifting narrative perspective enables Rufus Dawes to be seen as degraded while retaining a certain amount of heroism. The interweaving of melodrama with realistic accounts amplifies the effect of the narrative and demands the reader’s participation to reveal the nuances hidden in the text.

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Published 1 May 1986 in Volume 12 No. 3. Subjects: Fictional characters, Narrative techniques, Marcus Clarke.

Cite as: McDonald, Avis G.. ‘Rufus Dawes and Changing Narrative Perspectives in His Natural Life.’ Australian Literary Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 1986, doi: 10.20314/als.8744fb5855.