Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1987

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Coyle, William

Abstract

The narrative structure of All the King's Men conforms to the religio-ritual pattern of Confession. While he pretends to recount Willie Stark's career in an objective manner, Jack is actually burying his own guilt under this veneer of detachment. He must, in fact, assume much of the responsibility for the story's final tragedy. When he is unable to curtail his anguish by removing himself from the truth, however, he admits his responsibility. His penance takes the form of seeking reconciliation with people for whom he once felt a deep contempt--and when he forgives their frailty, he experiences forgiveness for his frailty. Jack is therefore able to continue on in hope. And so, like the Ancient Mariner, Jack experiences a measure of peace after telling his story.

Extent

52 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1987.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FADT14366

Format

pdf

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