Joseph Campbell's Functions of Myth in Science Fiction: A Modern Mythology and the Historical and Ahistorical Duality of Time

This document explores the relationships between science fiction and mythology, utilizing the theories of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung in particular. Conclusions are then drawn that argue that science fiction performs the same functions as mythology in the modern world. The author provides examples of these functions being performed in science fiction by analyzing two novels: The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and Stranger in a Strange Land. Finally, the document explores the narratives' uses of time in historical and ahistorical modes as a vehicle for its functions, and argues that the various uses of time are key to science fiction acting as modern mythology.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English

Department dc:contributor.department

English

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Laurel Ann

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Swenson, Karen

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Knapp, Shoshana Milgram
• Sullivan, Ernest W.

• myth theory
• joseph campbell
• carl jung
• science fiction

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:1234

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/25350