Nightwoods By Charles Frazien: A Literary Analysis

After World War II, as a result of changing values and attitudes, American literature witnessed a new movement that countered modernism: the postmodernism movement. Postmodernism is characterized by a rejection of previous literary themes and techniques. Specifically, postmodernism rejects straightforward meanings in favor of interpretation in which there are various meanings or no meaning at all. Literature of this time completes defies the boundaries defined in previous literary movements such as incorporating multiple different genres and types of literature. Charles Frazier’s novel, Nightwoods, is one literary work produced during this movement. Frazier’s use of combined styles and genres of literature and unique literary structure distinguishes

his novel as postmodernist.
Frazier combines different styles and genres of literature to create a distinct narration.

Throughout the novel, Frazier incorporates elements of naturalism in which the environment shapes the characters lives. Specifically, Luce, Dolores, and Frank immerse themselves in the natural life that surrounds them as a way of escaping their hardships. For example, when Dolores and Frank move to the lodge, they soak of the nature around them and begin to explore the forest around them in a means to forget the atrocities they have witnessed. When Bud returns and brings up bad memories, they turn towards nature to protect them: “[Dolores and Frank’s] only idea about here to go is farther away from people, deeper into the mountains [...]” (Frazier 208). In addition, Luce uses her knowledge about her natural surroundings to connect with the children and ultimately helps them escape their haunting past. Moreover, Charles Frazier combines this naturalistic style with Southern gothic genre and historical fiction. The presence of dark, disturbing thoughts among the characters, specifically Bud, along with the themes of religion and patriarchy, characterize Nightwoods as Southern gothic. He also incorporates accurate depictions of Appalachian culture and society during the 1960s through the development of the characters and incorporation of accurate historical details, such as the music and shows played on the radio. Charles Frazier’s blending of various genres and literature styles creates a distinct voice and interpretation in the novel defining it as a postmodern literary

work.
The nonlinear narrative structure in the novel also characterizes the work as postmodern. As opposed to narrating events in the order they occurred, Frazier narrates events from different character's point of view and out of order by implementing flashbacks. For example, a flashback to Luce’s childhood is described here: “When she and Lily were little girls, [...] Luce was the wanderer” (Frazier 33). The flashback gives insight into Luce’s childhood that could have not been achieved through use of a linear narrative structure. This allows for the reader to further understand the thoughts of each character and events allowing for the reader to make more comprehensive interpretations; it adds a complexity to the story. In other words, the unconventional narrative structure of the story indicates the postmodernity of Nightwoods.
Altogether, the postmodernism movement changed how literature is defined by breaking the typical literary conventions. It completely rejects boundaries and defined literary techniques in favor of a blend of various aspects of literature. Furthermore, it abandons straightforward meanings in favor of interpretation in which there are various meanings or no meaning at all. Nightwoods by Charles Frazier exemplifies the postmodernism literature movement through the use of a mixture of styles and genres of literature and nonlinear narrative structure.