Thinking about 'Things' Human and Object Interaction in Eighteenth Century British Literature and Contemporary Art

Helen Meacock

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Wallace, Miriam

Keywords

Objects, Thing Theory, It Narratives

Area of Concentration

Literature

Abstract

What are "things" and why do they "matter"? Why is it important to concern ourselves with things beyond their instrumental possibilities for us? This thesis first explores "objects" and "things" as presented to the reader in early modernliterature, such as Alexander Pope�s mock-heroic poem, "The Rape of the Lock," and sheds light on the importance of the inclusion of these "things" in the literature of the eighteenth century. Subsequently the project expands into a visual analysis of "things," their meanings, significance, and capabilities in our everyday life. An exhibition of art objects and visual representation forces the viewer to reconsider the immense role that "things" play in our world and realize that there are lessons to be learnt through the reflection of our society in "objects."

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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