Living in Borderlands: The Common Neutral Grounds for Relations in Ann Beattie’s Novel Picturing Will

Abstract

In this article, the new definitions of borders and frontiers, either physical, symbolic or imagined are related to the dynamics of the process of constructing identity. At the same time, these ideas are intertwined with the novel Picturing Will written by Ann Beattie and the development of its characters. The most recent notions of frontiers propose the establishment of common grounds of interrelation where difference and opposition confront in neutral and connecting spaces to negotiate identity. These ideas are illustrated using the above mentioned literary text.