Potraga za identitetom i uloga jezika u "Gradu od stakla" Pola Ostera

Abstract

This paper deals with the interconnectedness of language and identity in the first novel of the Paul Auster's "New York Trilogy - City of Glass". The aim of the paper is to perceive in which way Auster has used the language in the framework of postmodern prose in order to show the inherent alienation and fragmentation of the modern society which lead to the deconstruction of an individual's identity. The paper offer a breakdown of the novel's plot, and then analyzes the narration achieved on two different planes - in relation to the main character (an individual) and in relation to the hidden message of the novel. It deals with the manner in which Auster circumvents the conventions of detective genre, forcing the reader to step away from the simple solving of a mystery and to delve deep into the deeper meaning hidden in the very language of the novel which is used by the writer as medium, forcing them to question own identity and the meaning of life. Language, as our basic mean of communication, is fragmented which leads us to conclude that our existence is, as well. At the end, however, the analysis shows that the author offers a solution from this seemingly beak situation, where the responsibility lies on the writer to use his tools - words and to embark on a detective's quest to find a way to heal the language, and with that the individual.