DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/ZWCV-F240
Defense Date
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Catherine E. Ingrassia
Second Advisor
Dr. James Kinney
Abstract
This thesis looks at Thalhimers department store through the lenses of story, history, and theory. It first introduces the intertwining narratives of the author's paternal family and the store's history, then shares the author's personal story of Thalhimers. The second half outlines the master narrative of the American department store then applies "fantasy-theme analysis" and the symbolic convergence theory to stories and artifacts related to Thalhimers. A conclusion discusses the end of the department store era including a deeply personal goodbye from the author.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008