A Comparative Analysis of Myth and Romance on the Novel “Our Story Ends Here” by Sara Naveed; Utilizing the Archetypal Hypothesis of Northrop Frye

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the application of the Frye archetype theory to the novel "Our Story Ends Here" by Sara Naveed. The research aims to identify and analyze the archetypes present in the novel and their contribution to the overall meaning and themes of the story. The research will use a qualitative research approach and literary analysis to examine the significance of the novel's setting and its impact on the archetypes used in the story. The expected results are a better understanding of the Frye archetype theory and its application to contemporary literature and insights into the characters and symbols used in the novel. This research will contribute to the existing literature on literary theory and contemporary Pakistani society. This thesis explores the intricate interplay between myth and romance in contemporary literature, employing Northrop Frye's archetypal criticism as a theoretical framework. Focusing on the novel "Our Story Ends Here" by Sara Naveed, the research delves into the narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements, uncovering how these components align with and deviate from archetypal patterns identified by Frye. The first section of the thesis provides a comprehensive overview of Northrop Frye's archetypal criticism, elucidating his conceptualization of myth and romance as literary genres. Frye's theories serve as a lens through which to examine the novel, offering a theoretical foundation for the comparative analysis that follows. The second section of the thesis conducts an in-depth analysis of "Our Story Ends Here" by Sara Naveed. The narrative is dissected to identify and evaluate archetypal elements inherent in both myth and romance genres. This section explores how the novel engages with archetypal motifs, such as the hero's journey, the quest, and the 10 symbolic use of space and time. By scrutinizing the characters, plot structure, and symbolism in the novel, the analysis seeks to unveil the extent to which Naveed adheres to or diverges from Frye's archetypal patterns. A pivotal aspect of this comparative analysis involves investigating the ways in which the novel transcends traditional genre boundaries. Does "Our Story Ends Here" blur the lines between myth and romance, creating a hybrid narrative that challenges conventional archetypal expectations? The exploration of this question aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of literary genres in contemporary fiction. The third section of the thesis discusses the implications of the findings, considering how the intersection of myth and romance in "Our Story Ends Here" reflects broader trends in contemporary literature. This analysis sheds light on the significance of genre hybridity in the context of evolving literary landscapes, as well as the potential impact on reader reception and interpretation.