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"Edge of darkness" and "Just in Time": Two cautionary tales, two styles, one story

Gilbourne, David

Authors

David Gilbourne



Abstract

"Edge of Darkness" is an autoethnographic tale punctuated in places with extracts from an autoethnographic poetic monologue "Just in Time." Both explore elements of one life by focusing on different issues and settings, chart the slow decline of well-being, suggest turning points hint at resolution and signal a way forward. "Edge of Darkness" explores melancholy through the context of work. Corporate facets of the workplace are considered as part of this story. In contrast, the poetic monologue (indented italics) reflects on memories from another context, one that foregrounds the challenges of establishing a sense of self and, later, highlights the security and care experienced through a long-term relationship. Although the two stories begin some time apart they move ever closer before, eventually, sharing the same critical moment. In combination, the tales promote the idea of a life-long narrative and of a multilayered and interconnected life.

Citation

Gilbourne, D. (2010). "Edge of darkness" and "Just in Time": Two cautionary tales, two styles, one story. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(5), 325-331. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800409358866

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Mar 9, 2010
Publication Date May 13, 2010
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Qualitative Inquiry
Print ISSN 1077-8004
Electronic ISSN 1552-7565
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 16
Issue 5
Pages 325-331
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800409358866
Keywords Social Sciences (miscellaneous); Anthropology
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/465821
Publisher URL http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077800409358866