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Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2014

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

English

First Advisor

Jason McEntee

Abstract

This essay investigates the pervasiveness of the zombie figure in American culture as well as the recent renaissance of zombie literature and film after the 9/11 event. It argues that an application of René Girard’s theories on regenerative violence and ritualistic sacrifice on millennial zombie narratives exposes several contemporary anxieties, including a fear of external threats to the nation, an internal use of legitimate and illegitimate violence, and a continued use of the scapegoat mechanism. By analyzing the effects of violence on society, the essay briefly concludes that millennial zombie narratives suggest that the failure to recognize our violent nature proves detrimental for society.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Zombies in literature
Zombie films
Zombies
Violence in literature
Violence in motion pictures

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 91-95)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

100

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

In Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/

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