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The odyssey of Dune : epic, archetype and the collective unconscious

This thesis examines epic impressions between two disparate literary genres, the classical
Homeric epic and the science fiction novel, Frank Herbert's Dune in particular. This is done by
applying Jung's archetypes and his notion of the collective unconscious to both literary works.
This thesis argues that, through intertextual dialogue, continuities can be seen to exist between
the Homeric epic and Dune and other science fiction texts of a similar nature.
Chapter one examines epic impressions through a study of the classical heroic
superhuman. This superhuman, his birth, divine attributes and heroic adventures shall be
isolated and applied to both the classical hero and the hero of Herbert's narrative. Chapter two
will examine the relationship between prescience ("hyperawareness") and the divine oracle of
the classical epic. Chapter three will examine the archetype of the "Terrible Mother" and the
masculine fear of feminine powers that works to keep the feminine subordinate. / English Studies / M.A. (English)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/15848
Date09 1900
CreatorsRafala, Carmelo
ContributorsByrne, D. C. (Deirdre C.)
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (148 leaves)

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