Note
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Member of
Contributors
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Date Issued
1987
EDTF Date Created
1987
Description
A central theme in the novels of Robert Cormier is the
confrontation between the individual and society. Because
the protagonists are teenagers, this encounter represents
a form of initiation or rite of passage into the adult
world. Numerous symbolic images relate the initiation
experiences of Cormier's characters to the initiation
rituals and practices of primitive tribes. Because the
images reveal perversions of modern initiation ordeals
and corruption of the mentors who guide them, aberrant
values are transmitted. The abundance of symbolic imagery
elevates Cormier's work to a significant voice in
contemporary mythology. Instead of mystical monsters,
Cormier's novices must face the institutional evils found
in religion, education, government, the military,
international terrorism, and experimental medicine. Most of
the youthful heroes fail to complete the passage
satisfactorily; some are annihilated by it. Cormier warns
that the implacable establishment can corrupt and destroy
both individuals and itself.
confrontation between the individual and society. Because
the protagonists are teenagers, this encounter represents
a form of initiation or rite of passage into the adult
world. Numerous symbolic images relate the initiation
experiences of Cormier's characters to the initiation
rituals and practices of primitive tribes. Because the
images reveal perversions of modern initiation ordeals
and corruption of the mentors who guide them, aberrant
values are transmitted. The abundance of symbolic imagery
elevates Cormier's work to a significant voice in
contemporary mythology. Instead of mystical monsters,
Cormier's novices must face the institutional evils found
in religion, education, government, the military,
international terrorism, and experimental medicine. Most of
the youthful heroes fail to complete the passage
satisfactorily; some are annihilated by it. Cormier warns
that the implacable establishment can corrupt and destroy
both individuals and itself.
Language
Type
Form
Extent
83 p.
Subject (Topical)
Identifier
FA00000978
Additional Information
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1987.
FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Date Backup
1987
Date Created Backup
1987
Date Text
1987
Date Created (EDTF)
1987
Date Issued (EDTF)
1987
Extension
FAU
IID
FA00000978
Organizations
Attributed name: Florida Atlantic University
Person Preferred Name
Witten, Ruth Wilson
Graduate College
Physical Description
application/pdf
83 p.
Title Plain
Initiation Motifs in Robert Cormier's Novels
Use and Reproduction
Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Origin Information
1987
1987
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Location
Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Place
Boca Raton, Fla.
Sub Location
Digital Library
Title
Initiation Motifs in Robert Cormier's Novels
Other Title Info
Initiation Motifs in Robert Cormier's Novels