First Advisor

Tony Wolk

Term of Graduation

Spring 2001

Date of Publication

5-9-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in English

Department

English

Language

English

Subjects

Novel

DOI

10.15760/etd.4162

Physical Description

1 online resource (i, 237 pages)

Abstract

Humor and laughter are essential to the happiness of humankind. Too often we are bogged down in the mire of despair and misery, unable to see the humor in our own folly.

This thesis follows several groups of wacky characters on a cross country adventure. The story begins with the death and subsequent reincarnation of the hermetic genius, Archibald Constable. The recently departed recluse bequeaths his estate to Loretta Pontelli, a loudmouth Italian woman, who feels morally obligated to find Archibald's next of kin. Once she discovers a birth announcement she contacts her ex-husband, J.P. Kittenger, a private detective who drinks too much and smokes cheap cigars. From there the story twists and turns, introducing an unusual cast of characters, including taxidermists, potheads, and two loan shark brothers from Las Vegas.

The genre of this thesis is difficult to determine, for it is multiply influenced. It includes aspects of film noir and mystery fiction, comedic and humor writing, as well as fantasy. This blending of genres allows the story to appeal to a wide audience. The only prerequisite for any reader is that he or she have a sense of humor and desire to enjoy the frivolousness and sheer absurdity of life's comedy.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44720

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