Summary:

The primary function of this section is to provide close analysis of the difference in significant character interactions throughout the novel between editions. We feel this section will give users a closer look at the character dynamics displayed in part one of this project through the lens of close analysis. Keeping consistent with the definition of literature as a "process" rather than an end product, this section of the project supports analysis of the evolution of the text. The "closer look at Malamud's editing process" components will also give readers an easier way to analyze revision history and trace the evolution of the novel. We hope that this kind of analysis will also give insight into the general principles of the craft. Additionally, the unique format allows readers to explore Malamud's revision in the form of suggested line-by-line edits based on careful study of differences between the manuscript and the published novel. Several of the following moments are linked thematically to corresponding graphs in Part One to encourage multiple ways of moving through the project other than the linear way these moments are structured within Part Two.  

How it works:

The following interactions are primarily grouped by character. The Pauline and Levin section, for example, displays sample moments we feel are significant in analyzing the dynamics between these two characters. Within subcategories, the moments are organized chronologically. On each page, you will be able to view the manuscript version with Malamud's notes beside the published version. Once you scroll down, you will be able to view a simulation of Malamud's revision process. The red text represents any changes Malamud made to the manuscript. The additions are visualized in red text and the omissions are both red and crossed out in order to portray sections of text that are entirely absent from the published version. The text in black is the text that survived in the published draft. On a first glance, users will be able to see a visual representation of roughly what amount of the text survived the revision process unrevised, what amount was removed, and what amount Malamud added at some point before publication of the novel. For example, if a page contains a lot of red text, but not a lot of it is crossed out, this may suggest a situation where Malamud felt satisfied with the foundation of the scene but decided to expand upon it. In at least one moment per section we have added a sample analysis of these differences in the form of close-reading that focuses on the revision process.  In moments where this analysis is in the form of contextual notes, we highly encourage user participation in adding ideas or interpretations in the form of comments.