Self-discovery and the alternative: a postmodern quest for identity in Neil Gaiman’s novels

Bc. Jesika Novotná

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Cílem této diplomové práce je analýza hlavních charakterů v novelách Neila Gaimana Neverwhere and American Gods. Tato analýza je zakotvena v kontextu postmoderní společnosti a dopadů této společnosti na identitu protagonistů. Práce předkládá argument, že styl života v postmoderní éře je zodpovědný za osobnostní krizi hlavních postav. Dále se práce zaměřuje na fantastické světy, které se v novelách vyskytují a pomáhají protagonistům k hledání jejich identity. V závěru práce popisuje vývoj postav v tomto alternativním prostředí, k čemuž ji napomáhá teorie monomýtu rozpracovaná Josephem Campbellem. V neposlední řadě text reflektuje osobnostní změny po ukončení hrdinovy cesty v kontrastu s počáteční problematickou identitou protagonistů.

Abstract:

This aim of this diploma thesis is to assess the protagonists of Neil Gaiman's novels Neverwhere and American Gods in the context of postmodern society, and what influence such a society poses on their identity. This thesis argues that the realities of postmodern life are responsible for their identity crises and the purposelessness of their lives since. Consequently, the thesis endeavours to document the state of their personalities against the backdrop of postmodern society. For such a claim, it firstly introduces the primary features of postmodernism and postmodern life. Above all, it claims that a turn to a fantasy realm provides the protagonist with an opportunity to explore their potential, and therefore to reclaim their identity. For that, the thesis outlines their transformation in the fantasy world according to Joseph Campbell's theory of monomyth. Finally, it evaluates the state of the protagonists' identities in contrast to their initial situation in the ordinary world.

Keywords

Neil Gaiman, postmodernism, intertextuality, identity crises, alternative worlds, Joseph Campbell, hero's journey, postmodernismus, intertextualita, krize identity, alternativní světy, cesta hrdiny

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 12. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 2. 2020
• Supervisor: Mgr. Zuzana Kršková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Pavla Buchtová

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Master programme / field:
Teacher Training for Primary and Lower Secondary Schools / Lower Secondary School English Language Teacher Training