Mirrors of Mechanized Man: Capitalism and Intertextuality as Represented in the Works of Herman Melville, Franz Kafka and Don Delillo

Authors

Samantha J. Amberson-Dominguez, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

8-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Shawn Thomson

Second Advisor

Dr. Caroline Miles

Third Advisor

Dr. Donald Newman

Abstract

It is contended that literature, as a product of the socioeconomic conditions in which it was generated, can be used to explore the relationship between individuals and technological advancement, as existing within specific stages of capitalism’s development. Using Marxist analysis to examine texts generated during the cultural eras of realism, modernism, and postmodernism, it is argued that physical, mental, and emotional state of characters, as represented within works written by Herman Melville, Franz Kafka, and Don DeLillo, respectively, reflect the increasing levels of human alienation as experienced by individuals under the constraining forces of market capitalism, imperialism, and late capitalism.

Comments

Copyright 2014 Samantha J. Amberson-Dominguez. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/mirrors-mechanized-man-capitialism/docview/1629825601/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American