Date of Award

5-2006

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Campus-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Advisor

Alexander Irvine

Second Committee Member

Constance Hunting

Third Committee Member

Naomi Jacobs

Abstract

Bloodlines is a novel in the fantasy genre, perhaps more specifically “dark” fantasy. Beyond entertainment, it is an exploration of the similarities of myths from different cultures and times, including religions both past and present, and how fantasy fiction is strongly based on these religions. In combination with this, the author also created much of the plot of this novel based on the psychology of dreams, especially commonly noted nightmares and recurring dreams. These include dreams of impending storms, concealing murder victims, being chased by unknown entities, being trapped in labyrinths, and dreams that are intensely sexual in nature. A recurring theme throughout the novel is isolation. The plot and character situations evolve from the author’s interest in how all people are isolated within their own minds. Therefore, isolation and the subjects of dreams are closely related. The novel begins with a genesis myth for the race of “higher” beings in the story, the Lumien, who are a blend of Greek gods, Native American mythical creatures, Christian angels, and Tolkienish elves. The events of the novel show a parallel of how Hades-Satan fell from grace/became god of the Underworld. The plot of the novel intertwines the fate of the Lumien with that of Mankind, and gives a contrast of how such events affect “regular” people. The novel also shows the estrangement between the two races, as the Lumien are closer and more aware of their Earth-mother and lament the ignorance and destructive nature of Mankind. This is a common theme in much fantasy fiction, with good reason. Again, it shows a connection between mythologies (including religions) and fantasy, in the desire of the believer/reader to imagine there is a more powerful force in the universe, allowing the believer/reader to relieve themselves of the responsibility of their actions, and to hope that the higher power can control the things they feel that they can not.

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