Date of Graduation

Summer 2016

Degree

Master of Arts in English

Department

English

Committee Chair

Richard Neumann

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to explore, through the genre of literary fiction, the influence of hometowns and childhood friendships and how the power of these entities result in either an escape or capture. My thesis is the first two parts of my three part novel, Gravities, and introduces the non-linear structure of the narrative as well as set up the antagonist, Charlise Rosengren, for her both literal and figurative fall. The novel's three protagonists—Mae Silva, June Silva, and Anna Spence—are each given a perspective in their own sections containing scenes that exemplify the power both Charlise and their hometown of Fairview, Missouri has over them. My objective is to present a variety of contemporary and complex relationships centered around a common antagonist and contribute to the literary discourse of multi-voiced narratives.

Keywords

non-linear, power, perspective, escape, capture

Subject Categories

English Language and Literature

Copyright

© Sierra Faye Sitzes

Open Access

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