This thesis provides a Marxist analysis of the effect of class on historical alienation in Dermot Bolger’s fiction. Therefore, this study examines the influence of Irish history on Bolger’s choice of content, form and technique in order to argue that historical interpretation and literary technique are mediated through class stratifications. Chapter One investigates how The Journey Home challenges received ideas of what constitutes ‘reality’ which has, consequently, led to elements of critical dismissal used to maintain antiquated gaps, silences and notions of ‘reality’. In Chapter Two I look at A Second Life in order to examine how historical ruptures cannot just be seen in the nonlinear structure of Bolger’s novels, but can also be used to expose the silences and gaps that comprise the previously censored personal histories of Bolger’s characters. In Chapter Three I identify structural confines such as definitions, family roles and nationalism as instigating factors that lead to the alienation of those who do not conform to prescribed frameworks and are therefore oppressed by them. I further investigate how oppression also provides the pressure to rupture the linear trajectory of such approved frameworks and produce the nonlinear structure that can be recognised in The Family on Paradise Pier.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008. / "May, 2009." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 195-212). Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2009]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis--Freie Universität, Berlin. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 463-480).

Thesis (doctoral)--Freie Universität, Berlin, 1979. / Typescript (photocopy). Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 122-142).

Based on the author's Ph. D thesis. / Published by York Medieval Press in association with Boydell & Brewer and the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York. Includes bibliographical references and index.

Thesis--University of Illinois. / Bibliography: p. 172-176.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1935. / Vita. Published also without thesis note. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Freie Universität, Berlin, 1979. / Typescript (photocopy). Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 122-142).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Literatures in English." Includes bibliographical references (p. 176-188).

Issued also as thesis, Institut für Gesellschaftswissenschaften, Berlin. / Bibliographical references included in "Anmerkungs-und Quellenverzeichnis" (p. 239-250). Also issued online.