(Re)Defining Nonsense Literature as an Intermedial Genre
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Authors
Turcotte, Katie
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Intermediality , Nonsense Literature , Literary Nonsense , Comics Studies , Image and Word , Lewis Carroll , Edward Lear , Nonsense Verse , Nonsense Prose , Contemporary Literature , Canadian Literature , Edward Gorey , Dr. Seuss , Shel Silverstein
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Abstract
This dissertation argues that literary nonsense is an inherently intermedial genre and offers a new definition of the genre based on this understanding. Focusing on media that combine image and word – including picture books, illustrated verse, graphic novels, comic books, comic strips, magazines, zines, and more – this dissertation explores how nonsense is generated between the verbal and visual components of the text, offering four new categories of visual/verbal nonsense combinations. From this new perspective, the study then explores how nonsense storyworlds and world building are generated across media before offering a new taxonomy and discussion of nonsense characters. In both these sections, the focus is on building a set of criteria to differentiate between nonsense settings/characters and other, similar genres (such as fantasy or science fiction). The next section looks at format, exploring how changes in the genre often come from innovation in format and offers a loose overview of the genre since the Victorian period to more contemporary additions, expanding the canon to include various forms of comics and independent/self-published texts. The next section also focuses more on contemporary texts and expands the canon by looking at contemporary nonsense content, with a specific focus on women’s, racialized, and queer nonsense, arguing that each of these categories represent a distinct subgenre. In the conclusion of the project, the focus shifts to potential futures for literary nonsense by looking at Canadian contributions to nonsense, with an additional analysis of the works of Marc Bell.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.