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Initiation Motifs in Robert Cormier's Novels

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Date Issued:
1987
Abstract/Description:
A central theme in the novels of Robert Cormier is the confrontation between the individual and society. Because the protagonists are teenagers, this encounter represents a form of initiation or rite of passage into the adult world. Numerous symbolic images relate the initiation experiences of Cormier's characters to the initiation rituals and practices of primitive tribes. Because the images reveal perversions of modern initiation ordeals and corruption of the mentors who guide them, aberrant values are transmitted. The abundance of symbolic imagery elevates Cormier's work to a significant voice in contemporary mythology. Instead of mystical monsters, Cormier's novices must face the institutional evils found in religion, education, government, the military, international terrorism, and experimental medicine. Most of the youthful heroes fail to complete the passage satisfactorily; some are annihilated by it. Cormier warns that the implacable establishment can corrupt and destroy both individuals and itself.
Title: Initiation Motifs in Robert Cormier's Novels.
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Name(s): Witten, Ruth Wilson
Coyle, William, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 1987
Date Issued: 1987
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 83 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: A central theme in the novels of Robert Cormier is the confrontation between the individual and society. Because the protagonists are teenagers, this encounter represents a form of initiation or rite of passage into the adult world. Numerous symbolic images relate the initiation experiences of Cormier's characters to the initiation rituals and practices of primitive tribes. Because the images reveal perversions of modern initiation ordeals and corruption of the mentors who guide them, aberrant values are transmitted. The abundance of symbolic imagery elevates Cormier's work to a significant voice in contemporary mythology. Instead of mystical monsters, Cormier's novices must face the institutional evils found in religion, education, government, the military, international terrorism, and experimental medicine. Most of the youthful heroes fail to complete the passage satisfactorily; some are annihilated by it. Cormier warns that the implacable establishment can corrupt and destroy both individuals and itself.
Identifier: FA00000978 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1987.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Subject(s): Cormier, Robert--Criticism and interpretation
Young adult fiction
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000978
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.