A Kaplanian Analysis of Contrastive Rhetoric in Niven’s all the Bright Places

Authors

  • Muhammad Umar Northern University, Nowshera (Pakistan), Email: 1omerawkum77@gmail.com
  • Saeed Ur Rahman Assistant Professor of English at Northern University, Nowshera (Pakistan), Corresponding author’s Email: sesedu7@gmail.com
  • Zeeshan Ahmad Northern University, Nowshera (Pakistan),

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.2582

Keywords:

Kaplan, Linear And Non-Linear Structure.

Abstract

This study investigates the narrative structure of Niven’s All the Bright Places within the framework of Robert B. Kaplan’s theory of writing patterns. While the novel has been widely discussed in terms of mental health and adolescent relationships, its writing patterns and structural organization remain insufficiently explored, particularly through a cross-cultural rhetorical lens. The study employs a qualitative textual analysis, examining the arrangement of ideas and progression of the narrative to evaluate its alignment with linear-analytic or nonlinear formats as proposed by Kaplan. This research is significant as it extends the application of contrastive rhetoric to contemporary American young and enhances understanding of how cultural norms influence narrative construction The study is expected to reveal that the novel demonstrates a blend of linear and nonlinear structures, reflecting both adherence to and deviation from traditional Anglo-American rhetorical patterns.

References

Abrams, M. H., & Harpham, G. (2012). A glossary of literary terms. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Almuhailib, B. (2023). Analyzing cross cultural writing differences using contrastive rhetoric: A critical review. Advances in Language and Literary Studies.

Barry, P. (2009). Beginning theory: An introduction to literary and cultural theory. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Beach, A. (2015). Review of All the Bright Places. Common Sense Media.

Cart, M. (2016). Young adult literature: From romance to realism. Chicago: American Library Association.

Coats, K. (2011). The Bloomsbury introduction to children’s and young adult literature. London: Bloomsbury.

Connor, U. (1996). Contrastive rhetoric: Cross cultural aspects of second language writing. Cambridge University Press.

Connor, U. (1996). Contrastive rhetoric: Cross-cultural aspects of second-language writing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Connor, U., & Kaplan, R. B. (1987). Contrastive rhetoric: Definitions and directions. In Contrastive rhetoric (pp. 3–22). Cambridge University Press.

Hyland, K. (2004). Disciplinary discourses: Social interactions in academic writing. Michigan: University of Michigan Press.

Johnson County Library. (2022). Teen review of All the Bright Places.

Julia, L. (2021). Exploring mental health issues in All the Bright Places.

Kaplan, R. B. (1966). Cultural thought patterns in intercultural education. Language Learning, 16(1–2), 1–20.

Kaplan, R. B. (1966). Cultural thought patterns in intercultural education. Language Learning, 16(1–2), 1–20.

Kaplan, R. B. (1966/1972). Cultural thought patterns in intercultural education. Language Learning, 16(1).

Kaplan, R. B. (1972). The anatomy of rhetoric: Prolegomena to a functional theory of rhetoric. Philadelphia: Center for Curriculum Development.

Matsuda, P. K. (2001). First and second language writing: Issues in contrastive rhetoric. Language Teaching.

Miller, K. (2023). Mental health, stigma, and suicide theme in All the Bright Places.

Niven, J. (2015). All the Bright Places. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Niven, J. (2015). All the bright places. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Rahman, S. U., & Wali, M. I. (2025). A study of suicidal themes in selected American novels: A Durkheimian-Barbaglian reading. Dialogue Social Science Review, 3(11), 263.

Stack, P. (2015). Review of All the Bright Places.

Townsend, A. (2015). Review of All the Bright Places.

Downloads

Published

18-03-2026

How to Cite

Umar, M., Rahman, S. U., & Ahmad, Z. (2026). A Kaplanian Analysis of Contrastive Rhetoric in Niven’s all the Bright Places. Social Science Review Archives, 4(1), 7172–7188. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.2582