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

Open Access

Included in

Fiction Commons

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