Degree Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2010
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Neil E. Nakadate
Abstract
Toni Morrison's Beloved and Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres appear different on the surface but are actually quite alike. The similarities can be discovered by analyzing the protagonists, Sethe and Ginny, inspecting their female roles, and understanding the trauma they have suffered. Withstanding trauma causes Sethe and Ginny to define and perform their roles in an extreme way, and struggling and surviving gives them strength. Power and independence, however, have severe consequences as each woman becomes capable of murdering the person she loves the most. This thesis explores how Sethe and Ginny gain power and the consequences of that power.
Copyright Owner
Kristin Sue Daniel
Copyright Date
2010
Language
en
Date Available
2012-04-30
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
115 pages
Recommended Citation
Daniel, Kristin Sue, "Power and its price: Female roles and the consequences of gaining agency in Toni Morrison's Beloved and Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres" (2010). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 11412.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/11412
