Postmodernism, Psychoanalysis and the Theories of the Text in Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Safe Haven, and The Longest Ride

Abstract

This thesis examines postmodernism's impact on American contemporary writing via the lens of talented novelist Nicholas C. Sparks. This study examines Sparks' literature in the postmodern age, using deconstruction, existentialism, dialogism, intertextuality, and psychoanalysis. Nick Sparks is considered a top author of all time. He is known for his emotive plays about love, grief, and relationships. Sparks has a prominent position in the romance genre, as seen by his well acclaimed works. Sparks is often referred to be a romance author, despite others classifying his books as ‘popular fiction’. Sparks is known for his use of star-crossed heroes who struggle for love. Sparks' literature explores existential topics including temporal restrictions, mortality, and the role of art in contemporary difficulties via reflection. The chosen books for this study are The Notebook (1996), A Walk to Remember (1999), Safe Haven (2010), and The Longest Ride (2013). Each character has similar traits that show the risks they take to achieve their aims. Additionally, the books use diverse narrative styles that differ from postclassical approaches. All of them use non-linear narratives to create an immersive experience for the reader, to varied degrees. Sparks' use of North Carolina as a setting for his works contributes to an enticing conversational atmosphere. A secondary goal of this research is to explore Sparks' literature as a reflection of the postmodern zeitgeist and the author's views on the psychoanalytic world. This thesis will analyse Sparks' literature, focusing on imitation and individual skill, taking into account all stated points.