Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1969

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department / School

English

Abstract

Stephen Crane is an American writer whose works appear more popular now than they were in his own day. Most critics believe that his honesty, originality, and artistry are responsible for his current popularity. His most popular works, including The Red Badge .Of Courage (1894) and "The Open Boat" (1897), were very successful when they were first published and are still widely read. The fact that Crane led such· an exciting and original life makes him an especially interesting author, but he has received increasing critical recognition as an important figure in American literary history. Crane is associated with various literary movements such as realism, naturalism, and impressionism, but he cannot be critically confined to any one of them. Instead, his innovation and individuality make his work both current and relevant in mid-twentieth century America. In 1895 the publication of Ib.e. Black Riders, a volume of poetry, increased Crane's popularity. In the next year, another Bowery tale, "George's Mother," and an unsuccessful novel, The Third Violet were published. Also in 1896 Crane became involved in the Dora Clark case in New York. His defense of this prostitute prompted rumors of his drunkenness-and debauchery and had a lasting effect on his reputation. In 1897, as a war correspondent bound for Cuba, Crane was shipwrecked from the Commodore off the coast of Florida. Crane formed this experience into one of h-is best short stories, "The Open Boat " In spite of the non-conventional aspects of his life, Crane was praised and befriended by many contemporary writers. It is the purpose of this paper to evaluate "The Monster" thoroughly, through the approaches of its social criticism of the 5 small town, through its attack on racial prejudice, through its relationship to literary naturalism and impressionism, and finally through the character of Dr. Trescott.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Crane, Stephen, 1871-1900. Monster

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

85

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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