DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/A75B-6175

Defense Date

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

English

First Advisor

DR. RICHARD FINE

Second Advisor

DR. MARCEL CORNIS-POPE

Third Advisor

DR. TARYNN WITTEN

Fourth Advisor

PROF. SEMI RYU

Abstract

I propose a theoretical framework that describes how avatars incorporate media as an inherent part of their nature and find a hosting body in cyborgs to navigate and spawn in media. I propose the birth of a new scion that combines avatar, medium and cyborg into a conceptual being that I call “ICEVORG.”

The ICEVORG expands beyond representation into the actual physical world by means of media transgression—more specifically, by the use of the Strange Loop also known as Metalepsis ICEVORG find an effective soil to thrive and interrogate our ideas of reality by means of iteration, expansion, fragmentation and naturalization.

The development of the framework that explains the concept of ICEVORG happens in the interstices between fiction and reality.

The ICEVORG transgresses boundaries to reach and transcend the concepts of the avatar and cyborg in order to generate meaning and pursue relevance in contemporary society.

By dissecting the ICEVORG under the light of metalepsis that I am able to elaborate a framework to explain the world of post-hyperrealism and how ICEVORGS have become agents of change. Finally, in order to construct my argument, I employ autoethnography, a research methodology that allows for a more personal voice to be included as part of the research process.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

11-26-2015

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