Relatability factor and characterization: a brief analysis of two academic novels

Abstract

This paper offers a brief introduction and analysis into the relatability factor and characterization of two academic novels-Jeffrey Eugenides's The Marriage Plot and Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding. The relatability factor has its roots in reader-response criticism and is a subjective measure whereby a reader relates to a fictional character or a fictional work. In this paper, the relatability factor is focused on the initial characterization of two central characters in the novels. In the first part, the character of Mitchell Grammaticus is looked at through an autobiographical and metafictional lens, as well as through the character of the flaneur. In the second part, the character of Mike Schwartz is analyzed through the role of the fallen mentor in relation to the hero's journey. Both of these parts are then tied together in the end in connection with the author's own thoughts about reading and writing.