All the Waking Things

Authors

Jonathan L. Duckworth, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Major/Program

English

First Advisor's Name

Lynne Barrett

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Debra Dean

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Maneck Daruwala

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

novel, fantasy, folklore

Date of Defense

10-26-2016

Abstract

This literary fantasy novel is presented as the manuscript of a writer under the pseudonym of “Noisette,” who possesses the final writings of the revolutionary Cazimir Pazikov, a historical figure in the book’s world of whom little is known. In his journal entries, Cazimir Pazikov details the final days of his life. After accidentally murdering his lover, Varina, Cazimir buries her at a crossroads as part of a ritual to resurrect her. To complete the ritual, Cazimir must journey around his native Alban Province (a region of the wartorn Kingdom of Paradigm modeled off 19^th century America with European influences) in search of physical artifacts that will serve as proof of his and Varina’s love. During his journey he contends with both human and supernatural obstacles, as well as his own innate flaws. In the end he makes the ultimate sacrifice to undo his ultimate sin and return Varina to life.

Influenced by Vladimir Nabokov, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, and Neil Gaiman, ALL THE WAKING THINGS uses fantastic elements to explore human struggles: love, loss, and atonement.

Identifier

FIDC001191

Recommended Citation

Duckworth, Jonathan L., "All the Waking Things" (2016). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3043.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3043