Date of Graduation
Spring 2023
Degree
Master of Arts in English
Department
English
Committee Chair
Michael Czyzniejewski
Abstract
In my creative thesis, readers follow Toddus as he accomplishes different tasks set out by the prince he serves, Prince Dinnax. My critical introduction examines the use of a hero in both my book and Redwall, by Brian Jacques, through the three steps of a hero’s journey outlined in Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Campbell’s steps can be found in almost every book published, even non-adventure books. After following the steps, I examine my own choice of hero. Toddus is a personal guard to a prince, and as such does not carry a lot of power. Jeff Vandermeer’s craft book, Wonderbook, gives instructions on how to determine and follow through with a main character. I compare the two princes in Captive Prince, by C.S. Pacat, and their autonomy or lack thereof with that of Prince Dinnax. Toddus is the hero setting out on his adventure because Dinnax is constrained by his title and duties attached to it.
Keywords
hero, hero's journey, Joseph Campbell, Jeff Vandermeer, power, autonomy
Subject Categories
Creative Writing | Fiction
Copyright
© Rachel D. McClay
Recommended Citation
McClay, Rachel D., "Menagerie Pains" (2023). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3854.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3854
