The Representation of Space and Trauma Narration in In the Country of Last Things

This paper presents a critical analysis of the typical dystopian novel In the Country of Last Things by employing both the spatial and trauma narration theories. Through the epistolary narrative form of the protagonist Anna, Paul Auster constructs a gloomy and anti-utopian world. The author criticizes and satirizes the ugly side of modern society with the help of postmodern writing techniques and trauma narration. This thesis further exposes the power and discourse behind space reflected in the novel to achieve a deeper understanding of the harsh critique on social reality.