The Construction Of Meaning In 'Black Dogs' By Ian McEwan

Abstract from the year 2008 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, Dublin Business School, language: English, abstract: Statements, texts and events deliver information and construct meaning. We create meaning every time we speak. The construction of meaning is affected by various parameters, for example to a certain degree by personality. In the novel 'Black Dogs', written by Ian McEwan, the characters June and Bernard have different philosophies of life. Bernard is rational and strongly believes in science and its logic whereas June is rather intuitive, spiritual and has a metaphysical understanding of the world. Part of my work will be to show the impact of different philosophies of life on the interpretation of events, which again causes different meaning. June and Bernard represent diametrically opposed views of the construction and interpretation of meaning. Also, June's and Bernard's attitudes and personal experiences affect the construction of meaning.