Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Johnson, Robert
Keywords
Nationalism, Captivity Narrative, Cultural History
Area of Concentration
History
Abstract
This thesis studies the captivity narrative throughout American history, focusing on early Puritan captivity narratives and later twentieth century narratives that developed during the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. In each period, as American captives applied meaning to their experiences of trial, a common narrative structure evolved that built a collective national identity. The captivity narrative structure was adaptable across genres, including autobiography, film, television broadcast, and newspaper accounts, suggesting the resilience of the narrative. Despite changes in the historical context, each captivity narrative followed a similar rhetorical structure that confronted challenges to American character, morality, and identity. Ultimately, the salient features of the captivity narrative positioned Americans against the hostile �other� captors, redeemed the nation, and established a consciousness that elevated American identity to a higher moral plane.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Jillian, "Captivity, consciousness, and culture The role of the Captivity Narrative in American National Identity" (2011). Theses & ETDs. 4374.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4374