DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/6YST-SH04
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Susann Cokal
Abstract
Cathexellanea is a portmanteau word blending "cathexis," a psychoanalytical term meaning an investment of mental or emotional energy on a person, object or idea; and "miscellanea," a collection of objects or writings. One theme running through these stories concerns characters attempt to define themselves through their desires. "Bottomless" explores the idea of emotional and physical fulfillment. "Croquembouche" revolves around self-loathing and corruptibility. In "Destripado," the protagonist discovers that one way to dispel fear is to become the thing that causes it. "Ghosts" asks whether it is a past lover the protagonist longs for, or her phantoms. "Versions" deals with the impossibility of an authentic version of a life. "Interior" explores the possibility of love over an impassable distance. "Blood" is about a girl's strange ability to feel, and even steal, her brother's pain-and his pleasure.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
April 2009