Abstract

This thesis explicates the narrative style and themes in the six novels published to date by Canadian author David Adams Richards. The study traces the development throughout the novels of the author's narrative presentation and the refinement of his themes. In the introduction of the thesis the classifications of "regionalism" and "social realism" are examined with regards to how well they have represented the works of Richards. Because Richards' narratives attempt to reveal and celebrate the inner existence of his characters, it is proposed that the words "existential" or "explorative" be regarded as more appropriate terms to apply to his work. The body of the thesis follows (1) the development of Richards' narrative style, from the exploration of his characters' inner, subjective perspectives in his first two novels, the experimentation with first person narration in his third and fourth novels, to the omniscient narration in his two most recent novels; and (2) the evolution and refining of Richards' thematic concerns with the relationship between private and public sectors of society.