You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

Redefining the pastoral in contemporary literature through the works of Flannery O'Connor

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2001
Summary:
The pastoral form is one of the oldest in the literary tradition. Historically, the definition of "pastoral" was limited to eclogues and idylls that epitomize a simple way of life, usually with shepherds as their subject. Over time, the pastoral genre has undergone numerous metamorphoses that retain some aspects of a simplistic vision, while contradicting the more complex matters that help to define the human condition. These transformations have allowed for pastoral motifs set in direct opposition to everyday life in order to exemplify human frailties. In Flannery O'Connor's works, the simplicities of natural southern settings are in direct contrast to the complexities of her characters' situations. Her use of the pastoral mode serves to sharpen the emotions and define the limitations of the all too human characters who inhabit her potentially pastoral ideal.
Title: Redefining the pastoral in contemporary literature through the works of Flannery O'Connor.
283 views
169 downloads
Name(s): Jongbloed, Pamelyn.
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Furman, Andrew, Thesis advisor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Issuance: monographic
Date Issued: 2001
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 97 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: The pastoral form is one of the oldest in the literary tradition. Historically, the definition of "pastoral" was limited to eclogues and idylls that epitomize a simple way of life, usually with shepherds as their subject. Over time, the pastoral genre has undergone numerous metamorphoses that retain some aspects of a simplistic vision, while contradicting the more complex matters that help to define the human condition. These transformations have allowed for pastoral motifs set in direct opposition to everyday life in order to exemplify human frailties. In Flannery O'Connor's works, the simplicities of natural southern settings are in direct contrast to the complexities of her characters' situations. Her use of the pastoral mode serves to sharpen the emotions and define the limitations of the all too human characters who inhabit her potentially pastoral ideal.
Identifier: 9780493098029 (isbn), 12753 (digitool), FADT12753 (IID), fau:9631 (fedora)
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2001.
Subject(s): O'Connor, Flannery--Criticism and interpretation
Pastoral literature
Women and literature--Southern States--History--20th century
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12753
Sublocation: Digital Library
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.