Fiction Commons^™

The Enduring Enigma Of Tom Bombadil: From Riddlic Styling To Metaphorical Encounter, Derek Simon

Journal of Tolkien Research

Conversationalists and critics alike continue to take delight in Tom Bombadil, yet remain perplexed by his enduring enigma. Interpretive positioning appears to be determined by the semantics of the term enigma deployed and how it intersects with any of the several textual standpoints adopted. The primary contention of this article is that the enigma is intentionally both a riddle (noun) and a riddling (verb). Reading the enigma through literary features of the Old English riddle-song can yield an alternate interpretation of Tom Bombadil that has received scant attention in critical commentary. In support of this contention, I propose to read …

When We're Calm, Ellie Davis

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Ellie Davis is a sophomore from Fishers, Indiana, majoring in English writing. She enjoys writing fiction, poetry, and screenplays that focus on identity and self-discovery.

Transcend, Anne Gregg

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Anne Gregg is a junior English writing major, Honor Scholar, and Media Fellow at DePauw. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of A Midwestern Review. Recently she’s developed an interest in liminality, Pinterest mood boards, and cryptozoology. Contrary to popular belief, she is not young; she is ancient and rotting.

Make Me A Seagull, Tatum Coi

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Tatum Coi is a junior majoring in English writing and film & media arts. She is an aspiring poet, novelist, screenwriter, and film director. She has written a poetry book that she has yet to publish, and is currently writing her first novel. She would like to thank Chris White.

Our Blood Feeds The Earth, Anne Gregg

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Anne Gregg is a junior English writing and studio art double major from Terre Haute, Indiana. She enjoys using horror and fantasy to create narratives that explore themes of grief and the uncanny.

Candy For Men, Ellie Davis

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Ellie Davis is a sophomore from Fishers, Indiana, majoring in English writing. She enjoys writing fiction, poetry, and screenplays that focus on identity and self-discovery.

William Gibson, Neuromancer And The Making Of A Reluctant Cyberpunk, Billy J. Stratton

English and Literary Arts: Faculty Scholarship

While Neuromancer cemented Gibson’s place as a commanding presence in SF, he has consistently sought to position his work beyond the parameters of limiting genre categories.

Extra-Terrestrial: A Television Pilot Script, Landon Adams

Symposium of Student Scholars

How do you make a home out of a place you don’t feel welcomed? This is the plight of Beatrix Ivy, a passionate fashionista, humanoid-martian who dreams of opening her own fashion business. The only issue: fashion does not exist on Mars. She impulsively decides to ditch her hypercritical mother in pursuit of Planet Earth. Destination? Paris, France. However, a GPS malfunction lands her in the unknown town of Paris, Georgia. Mistaken for a drag queen, Beatrix is met with hostility from the bigoted locals, including local darling SunRay, an equally talented fashion designer. Beatrix eventually finds companionship in a …

Wildflowers A Novel, Kelli Roberts

Theses

Abstract for Wildflowers

Wildflowers is a feminist literary novel that examines the intersection of sex, power, and free will, exploring how these forces shape and define human agency. The story follows a group of women drawn to an enigmatic leader who promises enlightenment and empowerment through embracing their desires. As they navigate the fine line between self-actualization and manipulation, the novel delves into themes of liberation, coercion, and the choices we make to create the lives we long for. Provocative and thought-provoking, Wildflowers invites readers to consider the complexities of desire, the cost of empowerment, and the courage required to …

The Vision Of The Inklings: Mythopoeia And Modern Christian Literature, Emmalene Sotomayor

Senior Honors Theses

The Inklings wrote with the intention to convey truth through myth. C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and their friends developed stories to point readers to something greater—very often God. Christian creators now can look to their example while writing their own works of art. Currently, Christian fiction is in a sad state, known for mediocre romance novels that hardly portray faith in a moving or truthful manner. Believers can use the wisdom of Tolkien and Lewis to develop their own excellent works. Lewis and Tolkien’s beliefs in myth pointing to God, hope against adversity, and good resisting …

Birthday Girl, Makayla Tappin

Master's Projects

The lives of four friends plummet into chaos after a dead friend from college seemingly resurfaces – alive.

Built For Two, David Miller

Master's Projects

Built for Two is an original romantic comedy screenplay that I wrote during my time at Kennesaw State University.

Critical Utopia And Symbiosis In The Works Of Octavia Butler, Samuel Burton

Graduate Theses and Capstone Projects (excluding DNP)

No abstract provided.

It's Only Unfair, Eleanor Davis

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Ellie is a Senior English Writing major with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She is a Bonner Scholar and volunteers at the Ullem Campus Farm and Greencastle Middle School. After graduation, she wants to go to graduate school for her MFA and become a teacher.

Review Of Bad Nature, Michael F. Russo

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Antillia, Kelsie Ogden

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

History, Mythology, and Fantasy are all considered to hold different ideas surrounding truth. More often than not, it is harder to draw this line than one might think. Through this thesis, an argument is made surrounding the legendary island Antillia and where this mythical island falls into more categories than one. Through the carefully crafted journal writings of the Viking, Ragnar, and the wondrous diary entries of Medieval widow, Ivette, the search for this island comes to a head. What waits upon this island, however, is a cure to the very essence of these two characters and others like them– …

Commonthought (2024), Commonthought Staff

Commonthought

This issue features works created by Lesley University students and covers a broad range of topics. The work itself crosses many disciplines from creative writing to visual arts.

Save My Drink, Eleanor Davis

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Ellie is a Senior English Writing major with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She is a Bonner Scholar and volunteers at the Ullem Campus Farm and Greencastle Middle School. After graduation, she wants to go to graduate school for her MFA and become a teacher.

From Under The Stairs, Jenna Reynolds

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Jenna Reynolds is a Senior English Writing major. She has written for AMWR in the past and has also written for the Depauw stage (Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton).

I Gather The Fawns, Kelly Facenda

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

Review: Garth Greenwell's Mystical Novel "Small Rain" Teaches The Art Of Living From A Hospital Bed, James K.A. Smith

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Book review of Garth Greenwell's book, "Small Rain"

Out Of Orbit, Anonymous -

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

No abstract provided.

Nexus For Broken China, Jenna Reynolds

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Jenna Reynolds is a Senior English Writing major. She has written for AMWR in the past and has also written for the Depauw stage (Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton).

Crossroads, Jenna Reynolds

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Jenna Reynolds is a Senior English Writing major. She has written for AMWR in the past and has also written for the Depauw stage (Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton).

Look, She’S Gone, Kelly Facenda

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

Allure, Amy Nicol

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

Clearing, Kaiser Kelly

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

Jupiter, Kelly Facenda

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

Season’S Grievings, Amanda Puchalski

Gandy Dancer Archives

No abstract provided.

The Power Of The Written Word: An Exploration Of Writing As Craft And Pedagogy, Kristen Charlesworth

Master of Arts in English Plan II Graduate Projects

This portfolio is an exploration of writing, both as a crafted process and a subject of pedagogy. It includes three pieces of vastly different genres, which have one overlapping theoretical notion: autonomy is a key ingredient to successful writing at any level. Student success, creative writing, and scholarly research are all enhanced when the writer is given opportunities to guide their own process. The selected works of this portfolio serve as examples of how student autonomy is not only possible in the classroom, but of the overwhelmingly positive effect it has on the writing process, student engagement, and ultimately, academic …