Research Proposal.. annotated Bib

What I have decided to write about for my research proposal after reading, "Then we came to the end" by Joshua Ferris, is the isolation that becomes a reoccurring theme among the characters vs how the book is written is in a "we" narration. While discussing how that makes the reader feels isolated reading this book because there isn't any character that they can cling to. Furthermore, I wanted to focus more on Tom who seems to be the most isolated character being a victim of gossip, stress, and bullying, and how his threats to come back and kill his fellow co-workers are a legitimate and reoccurring problem that hinders the work environment.

Annotated Bibliography

Bergmann, Jörg R. Discreet Indiscretions: the Social Organization of Gossip. New York: Aldine De Gruyter, 1993. Print. Compares the different type of gossip and how it works in the work environment. Also gives an example of each particular type of gossip. I plan on using this book to compare the several instances of gossip in the book and how it plays a major role in the characters feelings towards each other.

Cooper, Cary L., and Roy Payne. Stress at Work. Chichester [West Sussex: Wiley, 1980. Print. Describes the different types of stress and how they play a role in the office environment through sociological and psychological references. Also gives insight on the creators of stress and the effects it has on a subjects work.

Fox, Suzy, and Paul E. Spector. Counterproductive Work Behavior: Investigations of Actors and Targets. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2005. Print.
Provide a focused perspective of the “We” narrative that Joshua Ferris uses more specifically examining the dynamics of bullying, degrading, intimidating fellow co-workers in the office environment. Through historical references and instances where oppressing fellow co-workers have led to turmoil.

French, John R. P., Robert D. Caplan, and Harrison R. Van. The Mechanisms of Job Stress and Strain. Chichester [Sussex: Wiley, 1982. Print. Discusses the interaction between the employees and the employer and the strain in which each go through and whether or not it affects their physical health. In which I will compare the work environment that the characters in had and whether or not it helps creates a tone of isolation.