Catalysts of Cataclysm: A Close Reading Focussing on Anagnorises in Dystopian Science Fiction Narratives
2019 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis’ purpose is to study anagnorises in dystopian science-fiction narratives, namely those featured in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and 1984, two novels which exemplify their anagnorisis’ importance by their bringing about of substantial change and poignancy to their respective narratives, resulting in rather unique outcomes. The aims are to unravel Aristotle’s framework for anagnorises and its components in dystopian science-fiction, and to defend the basis upon which I claim anagnorises are not merely limited to ancient Greek tragedies – establishing a clear line between where epiphany ends and anagnorisis begins. Inspecting what precedes these characteristically dystopic ‘aha!’ moments is perhaps more important than the thing itself, as they often operate sub-textually with a slow burn. There are catalysts at work beneath the surface which warrant investigation. By forerunning this contemporary branch of ‘archaic’ study and by applying these findings to my own work, perhaps researchers and practitioners of creative writing could be enlightened into considering Aristotelian anagnorises for use in the study of many contemporary genres, as they appeal, in essence, to elements of ‘story’ too, rather than purely drama.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2019. , p. 34
Keywords [en]
Anagnorisis, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Epiphany, Aristotle, Narrative, Greek, Theatre, Realisation, Recognition, Tragedy
National Category
Literary Composition
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:su:diva-169739OAI: oai:DiVA.org:su-169739DiVA, id: diva2:1325470
Educational program
Språkkonsultprogrammet
Supervisors
Examiners
2019-08-192019-06-162019-08-19Bibliographically approved