Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. David Anshen
Second Advisor
Dr. Matthew J. Christensen
Third Advisor
Dr. Caroline Miles
Abstract
This paper examines the consciousness of three literary characters, divided by space and time, from mid nineteenth century Russia, mid twentieth century Italy, to late twentieth century American society. This paper exposes literature’s rendition of modern man’s varying consciousness as shaped by the changing social conditions around him. This paper recognizes these varying social conditions as different stages in capitalism’s development. Capitalism has a history; the literature this paper examines discloses its negative impact on the consciousness of its characters. In analyzing Notes from the Underground, Contempt, and American Psycho, three novels separated by geography and spanning a timeframe of 127 years, this paper examines each protagonist existing in a state of existential angst proportionate to the stage of capitalism his respective epoch experiences, and respective of his social status. A Marxist framework is used to analyze this literature which reveals modern man’s precarious condition has exacerbated alongside capitalism’s development.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2013 Joe L. Cantu. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/soul-man-under-capitalism/docview/1412695370/se-2