32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Using Cognitve Theory to Illuminate the Alienation within Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
Allyson R. Boone
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
An analysis of Trainspotting through the lens of cognitive theory illuminates the characters’ alienation from society, fueled by the consumption of drugs. Irvine Welsh’s novel paints the story of heroin addicts and their life in Leith, a run-down part of Edinburgh. Revealing Welsh’s perception of the problem that resides in the working class, the novel gives voice to the troubled urban underclass. The novel shows the social hypocrisy of 1980’s Scotland though the examination of the characters’ anti-Establishment stance. Furthermore, drawing on cognitive deixis and script theory, this paper will show the connection between drugs and the characters’ rejection of society.
Keywords: Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting, cognitive theory , education, alienation, drug use, script, Deixis
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 305-1
Location: BH 241
Time: 1:30