Thesis--Northwestern University. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 248-265).

Inaug.-Diss.--Philipps-Universität zu Marburg. / Vita. Bibliography: p. 94-95.

Thesis--University of Southern California, 1978. / A Xerox copy of the original. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 289-298).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Yale University, 1953. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 590-636).

This thesis studies the meaning and importance of fantasy and dream in the work of Sinclair Ross. By first reviewing existing criticism on Ross's work and then illustrating how this criticism may act as the basis for further investigation, I will show the manner in which fantasy and dream help order theme and figurative language in his fiction. Criticism has concerned itself mainly with Ross as a realistic prairie writer; his short stories and novels have won recognition for their accurate portrayals of Canadian rural life during the Great Depression. The vivid descriptions of the environment, with its sun, dust and wind, are often the critical context for an evaluation of theme or characterization. While this approach correctly identifies an important aspect of Ross's work, it has not gone on to other equally important areas. The manner in which this critical emphasis grew to be, and still remains, the accepted approach to Ross's work will be the subject of discussion for the first part of this study. After the critical background has been established, specific matters of technique and theme will be examined. Alienation, the process which acts as the catalyst for behavior for so many of Ross's characters, is dealt with in detail because of its.importance to plot and theme. Three distinct kinds or levels of alienation are identified in so far as they represent Ross's portrayal of man's perception of himself. Symbolism is studied as a unifying force in the writer's work. His symbols fall into two general groups which represent the basic conflicting forces within man in regard to an imaginative restructuring of the environment. Symbols of life, movement, and action are shown as being balanced by the author with symbols of enclosure and stagnation. / Arts, Faculty of / English, Department of / Graduate

Diss.--Hamburg. / Lebenslauf. Reproduced from type-written copy. "Quellenangabe": iii p. at end.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Freien Universität Berlin, 1958. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-96).

Thesis (Ph. D)--Indiana University, 1971. / Includes bibliographies.

The purpose of this thesis is to examine two characteristics in the life and works of Sinclair Lewis: his ambivalence in general, and his particular unambivalent hostility towards religion. Although he held inconsistent and incompatible views on America, its people, institutions, and beliefs, he was consistent in his dislike of American religious practices. Chapter I examines Lewis's ambivalence respecting America and Americans, the Middle West, the Middle Class and Business; there is also an account of Lewis's persistent hostility towards religious beliefs, the clergy, and churchgoers. Chapter II examines aspects of the life and personality of Sinclair Lewis for some of the factors which contribute to his ambivalent views and also to his anti-religious outlook. Chapter III notes the timeliness of Lewis's novels, published in the Twenties when people were confused about their beliefs. Chapter III then analyses in detail four novels, Main Street, Arrowsmith, Elmer Gantry, and The God Seeker, which demonstrate how Lewis's attitudes change, except towards religion. Chapter IV studies the style of Sinclair Lewis, and notes that he constantly applies mocking or hostile terms to clergy and Christians, while on other subjects he expresses incompatible views with noisy assurance. Chapter IV also suggests that Lewis's ambivalence and his anti-religion both stem from a lack of profundity in his thought and feeling. He is unable to understand and appreciate fully the truths of American life and the truths of religion. / Arts, Faculty of / English, Department of / Graduate

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.