Date of Award:
5-2016
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Arts (MA)
Department:
English
Committee Chair(s)
Lynne S. McNeill
Committee
Lynne S. McNeill
Committee
Charles Waugh
Committee
Steven B. Shively
Abstract
This thesis examines the folkloric evolution of superhero narratives over the past century. Utilizing theories from folklorists such as Lord Raglan, Vladimir Propp, Joseph Campbell, Barre Toelken, and Alan Dundes, it examines the core qualities prized by folklorists, and how these same elements can be found in superhero narratives, despite their mass produced nature and place amidst American popular culture. It examines classic hero tale structures, as well as the folkloric theories of dynamism and conservatism. The main argument is that these narratives are folkloric in nature, and that the discipline of folklore would benefit from their study.
Checksum
7a685662ccc87525888930c6fb209acc
Recommended Citation
Van de Water, Wesley Colin, "The Bat and the Spider: A Folkloristic Analysis of Comic Book Narratives" (2016). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 4870.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4870
Included in
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .