Unreliable Narration in Ian McEwan's 'Butterflies'. An Analysis

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, University of Wuppertal (Anglistik/ Amerikanistik), course: Introduction to Literary Studies, language: English, abstract: The following term paper deals with the short story 'Butterflies' written by Ian McEwan, which was published in 1975. In the course of this paper, a closer look will be taken, if there is an unreliable narrator in the short story and which function he has. Within the context of clarifying the terms that are used in this paper, a definition of the narrator, especially the unreliable narrator, will be given. Afterwards a short summary of the short story follows. The following analysis depicts examples of unreliable narration in the short story and tries to respond to the opening question. Finally, the conclusion replies to the main question of the term paper. Unreliable narration is often used in literature, film or theatre but we can also find it in real life. It can be found everywhere. Authors use it to manipulate others and to transmit feelings and thoughts.