Archetypal patterns of the romance in The damnation of Theron Ware

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
William Henry Hagen (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Donald Darnell

Abstract: The utilization of the romance theme is effective in rendering both an ironic and tragic portrayal of Theron Ware in Harold Frederic's novel The Damnation of Theron Ware. In this thesis the archetypal romance pattern is defined with reference to the discussion of the romance in Northrop Frye's Anatomy of Criticism — with the hero striving to develop a moral ethic which will enable him to achieve a valid identity within his society. The innocent Theron Ware is influenced by figures who fulfill roles of archetypal significance in the romance, being either for or against the hero's quest and intricately involved in the trials and final resolution of the hero's difficulties in social adjustment. When the characters who fulfill these roles fail to direct Theron Ware toward the achievement of success, the traditional intention of their influence becomes ironic. Finally, the tragedy of Theron Ware's failure is developed through Harold Frederic's objective presentation of Theron's inability to accurately appraise the moral condition of his own society, and, thereby, determine his proper relationship to it.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1968
Subjects
Frederic, Harold, $d 1856-1898 $x Criticism and interpretation
Frederic, Harold, $d 1856-1898. $t Damnation of Theron Ware
Love in literature

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