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Truth and Symbolism: Mythological Perspectives of the Wolf and Crow

Thesis advisor: Susan Michalczyk / This thesis explores crow and wolf symbolism within the mythology of Western Tradition, focusing on the Bible, Greek and Roman mythology, Native American folklore, Shakespeare, and Aesop's fables. Much of the animal imagery in literature is negative and does not truthfully represent the animals symbolized. This thesis investigates why these negative associations are formed, how they relate to the biological lives of wolves and crows, and explores their ambiguity in relation to the positive symbolism that exists. Negative symbols acquire strength as cultures grow further away from the land they live on and focus on industry and humanity instead of the world around them. The behavior of both wolves and crows is secretive, causing people to create stories to explain their actions. Furthermore, humans use these animals as a "shadow" to themselves, bestowing characteristics upon them which are found in human nature but are generally considered unacceptable. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2004. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BOSTON/oai:dlib.bc.edu:bc-ir_102331
Date January 2004
CreatorsBukowick, Karen Elizabeth
PublisherBoston College
Source SetsBoston College
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, thesis
Formatelectronic, application/pdf
RightsCopyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted.

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