Theory and Criticism Commons^™

Samuel Becket's Use Of "Silence", Russell V. Watkins

English Theses & Dissertations

Silence is an important aspect of modern literature. No other living writer has made more adept use of silence in his fictional works than has Samuel Beckett. In this thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the M.A. degree in English, I provide an in-depth study of Beckett's use of silence both in his prose works and in his plays. Not only does this thesis provide an in-depth study of Beckett's use of silence, but it also provides a brief survey of how Beckets use of silence has gradually evolved in his fictional works, and comments on the significance of …

William Faulkner: The Search And The Simile, Denise R. Dick

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

William Faulkner (1897-1962) is well known for his distinctive prose style -- his word choice, his long sentences, and his chains of imagery. In this paper, three novels, Sartoris (1929), Absalom, Absalom! (1936), and The Mansion (1955) are studied to see what can be learned about Faulkner's use of the simile.

Many of Faulkner's characters are tortured by a disparity between their peaceful past and their chaotic present. It was found that Faulkner uses the greatest number of similes in the passages of the novels where the characters are searching most intensely to reconcile their past and their present. This …

The Influence Of Renaissance Neoplatonism On Michelangelo, Judith Carole Riley

History Theses & Dissertations

The problem of interpreting Michelangelo's art, and poetry in terms of the Renaissance philosophy of Neoplatonism has long been debated. After establishing that Michelangelo was personally acquainted with the major philosophers Marsillo Finco and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, selected major works by the artist are analyzed as to how they illustrate the major concepts of Neoplatonism. Supporting evidence, is drawn from Michelangelo ' poetry, in which he expressed his esthetic theory, which included the Platonic system of ideal forms; a hierarchical universe; the perfectibility of the human soul through contemplation; and the exercise of human love as preparation for divine …

The Three-Dimensional Image Of Chance, Calvin Alexander Mcfarlane

Masters Theses

In order to create a work of art that has, for an unknown observer, as great a variety of meanings and interpretations as possible; the work must be of the sort that will allow any random observer to project their own experience into the work as its meaning and/or interpretation. The work of art created must present to the viewer a rich experience of mutually exclusive associations. For the work to be unlimited in associations, it must be free from any intentionally representative imagery on the part of the artist. In other words, the work should be abstract to the …

A Philosophy Of Art, Robert Erickson

Masters Theses

There is no universally accepted concept of the nature of art. Many are contented in believing that it is just some mystical quality. However, I believe that art is a basic human trait which has evolved over millions of years. This paper shall explain my own belief as to the evolution of art and how it is used by myself and other artists.

That which we believe to be true is a product of our individual experiences. In technology, religion, and in art there are no universal truths. All human beings percieve the world in different ways.

Two billion years …