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Myth and ritual in women's detective fiction / Christine A. Jackson.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Jackson, Christine A., 1951-
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Detective and mystery stories, American--History and criticism.
- Detective and mystery stories, American.
- Detective and mystery stories, English--History and criticism.
- Detective and mystery stories, English.
- American fiction--Women authors--History and criticism.
- American fiction.
- American fiction--Women authors.
- English fiction--Women authors--History and criticism.
- English fiction.
- English fiction--Women authors.
- Rites and ceremonies in literature.
- Women detectives in literature.
- Fairy tales in literature.
- Mythology in literature.
- Folklore in literature.
- Ritual in literature.
- Myth in literature.
- Physical Description:
- vii, 177 pages ; 23 cm
- Place of Publication:
- Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., [2002]
- Summary:
- The relationship between traditional myths and fairytales and current fiction novels featuring women as crime-solvers is examined in this work. Using theories from Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung and others, the author asserts that plots and imagery in these novels conform to quest narratives outlined in classical myths and traditional fairytales. Narcissus, Medusa, Orpheus and Orestes are a few of the figures emerging in todays mystery fiction. Among the mystery authors discussed are Patricia Cornwell, Amanda Cross, Sue Grafton, P.D. James, Sara Paretsky and Julie Smith. After establishing the anatomy of a mystery in Chapter One, the work covers many myths, rituals and rites associated with mysteries, including myths of identity, and religion, and rites of initiation.
- Contents:
- 1. Anatomy of a Mystery 13
- 2. Magic and Transformation in Domestic Mysteries 27
- 3. A Bodiless Dream: Forensic Mysteries and Myths of Identity 49
- 4. Religion in Mysteries: Of the Essence 67
- 5. Blood Dues: Rites of Initiation in Career Thrillers 90
- 6. Tracing the Razor's Edge 114
- 7. V.I. and Kinsey: Death and Renewal 130
- 8. Life Restored 159.
- Notes:
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 163-167) and index.
- ISBN:
- 0786413115
- OCLC:
- 48777754
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