Thrown Voices : A Series of Dramatic Monologues, With a Discussion of the Genre

Abstract

This thesis examines the complex nature of the poetic genre of the dramatic monologue by providing multiple perspectives on the genre--namely, those of the literary critic and the creative writer. This thesis provides a selection of original dramatic monologues in various styles and featuring characters ranging from the prophet Jeremiah to a modern-day plastic surgeon, tied together by the theme of imaginatively filling in historical gaps and erasures with speakers in times of great political or cultural upheaval. Prefacing this collection of poems is a discussion of the genre of dramatic monologue, beginning with a general overview of the development and features of the genre, followed by a discussion of specific issues involved in writing this collection.