'To be, or not to be': Absurd and humoristic descriptions as a strategy to avoid idyllic life stories- boys write about family life

Abstract

Self-narration has been discussed as a process of identity construction where a person, while telling her or his story and presenting herself/himself in relation to important people, creates a self-identity, in fact a version of self. This article is based on a study where pupils, aged 13-14, were asked to write and make drawings on the theme 'My future family'. The boys' stories are focused on here and the narratives are seen as reflecting the boys' ways of exploring a male identity through their main character. A group of the boys did write about odd or egocentric persons and used absurd ingredients and elements of the science fiction genre. These narratives are analysed in more detail and it is argued that the detached and humorous style opens up for writing about maleness without entering into familiarity.