A Framework for Analyzing Digital Narratives in Contemporary English Literature

Thesis Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of literature, digital narratives have emerged as a distinctive genre that intricately blends traditional storytelling with digital media elements, thus posing new challenges and opportunities for literary analysis. This study addresses the critical need for a comprehensive analytical framework capable of systematically examining the features, structures, and aesthetic strategies inherent in contemporary digital narratives, particularly within English literature. The primary aim is to develop and validate a rigorous, multi-dimensional framework that scholars and practitioners can utilize to dissect digital narratives’ formal and thematic components, thereby enriching comprehension and critical engagement with this burgeoning literary form. To achieve this, the study delineates four specific objectives (1) to conduct a conceptual review of existing analytical approaches to digital narratives; (2) to identify core features that distinguish digital storytelling from traditional narratives; (3) to formulate an integrated analytical model based on the synthesis of existing theories, including Media Ecology Theory and Digital Narrative Theory; and (4) to empirically test the framework’s applicability through case studies of selected digital narratives authored between 2015 and 2022. Methodologically, this research adopts a qualitative, exploratory case study design. The population encompasses digital narratives produced by contemporary English writers, identified through literary repositories, digital archives, and mainstream digital publishing platforms, totaling approximately 50 works. A purposive sampling technique selected 10 highly influential digital narratives, ensuring diversity in genre, format, and thematic focus. Data collection instruments include detailed thematic coding schemes, contextual analyses, and semi-structured interviews with digital authors to gain insights into their creative processes. Data analysis employs thematic analysis to identify patterns and recurring features, with the analytical framework further refined through content analysis and discourse analysis techniques. The validation of the framework involves triangulation, member checks with digital narrative creators, and peer debriefing sessions to ensure reliability and validity. Expected findings suggest that digital narratives can be systematically characterized by their multimodal composition, nonlinear storytelling, interactive elements, and integration of multimedia components, which collectively redefine narrative temporality, agency, and audience engagement. The analysis is anticipated to reveal how these features influence interpretative strategies and reader reception, highlighting significant variations across genres and digital platforms. The framework’s applicability is exemplified through detailed case study discussions, illustrating its potential to enhance interpretative depth and pedagogical utility in digital literary studies. This research contributes significantly to the existing body of literary scholarship by pioneering an integrative analytical model tailored specifically for digital narratives, thus bridging a vital gap in contemporary literary theory and criticism. It offers a methodological blueprint that combines digital media analysis with traditional narrative theory, facilitating more nuanced examinations of digital storytelling practices. Furthermore, the study advances theoretical understanding by extending Media Ecology and Digital Narrative theories into practical analytical tools, aligning them with the distinctive features of current digital literary production. The main conclusion asserts that the proposed framework offers a robust, adaptable tool for analyzing digital narratives, supporting scholars in decoding complex multimodal texts and fostering a deeper appreciation of digital literary forms. Recommendations include the widespread adoption of the framework in academic curricula, digital humanities research, and creative writing pedagogy. Future research avenues suggested involve extending the framework to cross-cultural digital narratives and exploring its functionality in analyzing digital poetry and interactive fiction, thereby broadening the scope and applicability of digital literary analysis in diverse contexts.