Abstract

This thesis demonstrates three kinds of the Absolute and three different ways of approaching them. Farid Ud-Din Attar, Kate Chopin and Theodore Roethke take different roads to reach their Absolute. Similarities among the three works tackled in this thesis are represented by the role of nature in the spiritual journey to attain a mystical identity, and by having an ultimate goal of the journey called the "Absolute" . On the other hand, differences are represented by the different definitions of the Absolute that the three authors offer. This thesis also presents different notions like annihilation, unity and illumination that the passengers in the three mystical journeys encounter. The author of this thesis maintains that literature allows us to envision a kind of Absolute, whether as God, Identity or the Divine.

Department

English & Comparative Literature Department

Degree Name

MA in English & Comparative Literature

Date of Award

2-1-2006

Online Submission Date

12-18-2005

First Advisor

William Melaney

Committee Member 1

William Melaney

Committee Member 2

Ferial Ghazoul

Committee Member 3

Gian Balsamo

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

61 leaves

Rights

The American University in Cairo grants authors of theses and dissertations a maximum embargo period of two years from the date of submission, upon request. After the embargo elapses, these documents are made available publicly. If you are the author of this thesis or dissertation, and would like to request an exceptional extension of the embargo period, please write to thesisadmin@aucegypt.edu

Call Number

Thesis 2005/79

Location

mmbk

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