Reactions to Change in Graham Swift’s Works

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how, for Swift’s characters, personal crises serve as turning points, prompting them to reexamine their identities by revisiting and reinterpreting their life narratives. The story consists of their self-analysis. There is always a change in the characters’ lives that leads to a crisis, which in turn prompts the characters to explore themselves further. Psychological theories about crises and personal change will help us examine the situations of Swift’s characters and the ways they transform. Erik Erikson’s stages of psychological development outline the development of identity across life stages, which are characterized by crises that must be resolved. Resolving relationship issues leads to a stronger sense of self. J. William Worden’s crisis theory suggests that individuals go through a process of adaptation and reevaluate their personal worldviews. Prochaska and DiClemente’s stages of change model includes precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance. In contrast, William Bridges’ transitional model claims that personal change happens in three phases: acceptance of issues (ending, losing, letting go), uncertainty (the neutral zone), personal reinvention, and a new beginning. These theories can bring more profound insight into understanding Swift’s traumatized narrators. The novels Shuttlecock, Ever After, Out of This World, and The Light of Day will be analyzed.