"A Stage-Hand, Perhaps": Life as a Stage Play in John Banville's the Book of Evidence. Issue 5 (19th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pietrzak, Wit
• Is Part Of: Critique. Volume 61:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 568
• Page End: 576
• Publication Date: 2020-10-19
• Subjects: Fiction -- 20th century -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Letterkunde; Engels; Electronic journals; 809.304
• DOI: 10.1080/00111619.2020.1765725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-1619

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the present essay, the focus is laid on literary allusions in The Book of Evidence, as I argue that the novel thematizes Freddie Montgomery's consistent exploration of the ways in which he might endow the world around him with at least a transient order and meaning. It is as part of this quest that he repeatedly adverts to the view of life as a performance analogic to a theater play. I will further suggest that the allusions are specifically to Macbeth and the eponymous hero's soliloquy in Act V when he learns of Lady Macbeth's demise.