Date of Graduation
Spring 2010
Degree
Master of Arts in English
Department
English
Committee Chair
Richard Neumann
Abstract
This thesis is comprised of the first three chapters of a novel-in-progress, entitled Bomb, which is a work of literary fiction focused on two characters who have set out on a road race in a "cursed” automobile. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the concept of the picaresque novel using modern concerns and fears – holding closely to the established traditions of this lineage, but updating the subject matter in an attempt to move from satire to something truly unnerving. This novel borrows from several real-world events (such as the circumstances of James Dean's death, and the cult-favorite "BABE” race), yet focuses on two fictional characters, James Weeks and actor Alexander Bruce, whose relationship may be seen as the heir-apparent to that of Sancho Panza and Don Quixote.
Keywords
novel, literary fiction, picaresque, automobile racing, James Dean
Subject Categories
English Language and Literature
Copyright
© Benjamin None Bogart
Recommended Citation
Bogart, Benjamin None, "Bomb" (2010). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 1111.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1111
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