The Raven King

The Raven King is the first novel in a planned series of animal tale stories that explore disability through the lens of animal characters. My thesis is the first two parts of a three-part novel. My target audience is the 8-14 age range, as most animal tales for younger readers are categorized within that age range. Grief, disability, social alienation, and otherness are the central themes of the narrative. The avian protagonists allow for an exploration of non-conventional trauma responses; they lash out, distance themselves from their family, and/or disassociate, which are unhealthy coping methods to deal with trauma. Within avian society, the main protagonist is othered due to her broken wing. As the story develops, she discovers a community of othered birds and learns to accept herself and her current state of being. Despite the setting of the novel being fantastical, there is a realistic lens with regards to the hardships of disabilities. The novel is not meant to discourage disabled readers, but rather validate any frustrations they may feel. Through the validations and acceptance of their states of self, the avian protagonists can emotionally develop and begin the process of healing. I believe this story matters as an exploration of overcoming one’s personal grievances of their newfound disabled, or traumatized, states. I hope individuals can empathize with the characters of The Raven King, and that those who have experiences of hardship or trauma can feel solace through the characters.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Writing

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Lekach, Ashley

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lynes, Jeanette

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Snell, Heather
• Sharren, Kandice
• Martin, Ann

• MFA English Novel YoungAdult AnimalAdventure AnimalFiction Animal AnimalTale

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/15801

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/15801