De-demonising universality : transcultural dragons and the universal agent in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and David Eddings' The Belgariad
Date
2009-12
Authors
Steenkamp, Janka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation provides a reading of the fantasy novel series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
and The Belgariad by David Eddings. In particular this dissertation endeavours to recuperate
a literary critical methodology rooted in Myth Criticism. Further, it seeks to demonstrate the
continued relevance and necessity of this form of criticism in our postmodern era and to
refute some of the commonplaces of postmodern critical theory, specifically the
poststructuralist scepticism towards the idea of universal truth and individual agency. Using
Jungian theory, myth critics ranging from Laurence Coupe to Joseph Campbell and
incorporating various postmodern theorists, like the contemporary Marxist theorist Terry
Eagleton, and fantasy critics like Brian Attebery and Ursula LeGuin, this dissertation aims to
give a well-rounded analysis of the merits of looking at fantasy as a legitimate field of literary
study. Moreover, this dissertation seeks to illustrate the fact that fantasy is capable of
informing readers’ interaction with the ‘real’ world and that this genre allows for insight into
identity formation in present day reality. The chief structure used to explore these claims is an
analysis of the Hero’s Journey.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: This dissertation provides a reading of the fantasy novel series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Belgariad by David Eddings. In particular this dissertation endeavours to recuperate a literary critical methodology rooted in Myth Criticism. Further, it seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance and necessity of this form of criticism in our postmodern era and to refute some of the commonplaces of postmodern critical theory, specifically the poststructuralist scepticism towards the idea of universal truth and individual agency. Using Jungian theory, myth critics ranging from Laurence Coupe to Joseph Campbell and incorporating various postmodern theorists, like the contemporary Marxist theorist Terry Eagleton, and fantasy critics like Brian Attebery and Ursula LeGuin, this dissertation aims to give a well-rounded analysis of the merits of looking at fantasy as a legitimate field of literary study. Moreover, this dissertation seeks to illustrate the fact that fantasy is capable of informing readers’ interaction with the ‘real’ world and that this genre allows for insight into identity formation in present day reality. The chief structure used to explore these claims is an analysis of the Hero’s Journey.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: This dissertation provides a reading of the fantasy novel series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Belgariad by David Eddings. In particular this dissertation endeavours to recuperate a literary critical methodology rooted in Myth Criticism. Further, it seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance and necessity of this form of criticism in our postmodern era and to refute some of the commonplaces of postmodern critical theory, specifically the poststructuralist scepticism towards the idea of universal truth and individual agency. Using Jungian theory, myth critics ranging from Laurence Coupe to Joseph Campbell and incorporating various postmodern theorists, like the contemporary Marxist theorist Terry Eagleton, and fantasy critics like Brian Attebery and Ursula LeGuin, this dissertation aims to give a well-rounded analysis of the merits of looking at fantasy as a legitimate field of literary study. Moreover, this dissertation seeks to illustrate the fact that fantasy is capable of informing readers’ interaction with the ‘real’ world and that this genre allows for insight into identity formation in present day reality. The chief structure used to explore these claims is an analysis of the Hero’s Journey.
Description
Thesis (MA (English))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Universality, Agency, Dissertations -- English literature, Theses -- English literature