The Heavy
Date of Award
4-2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
English
First Advisor
Thisbe Nissen, M.A.
Second Advisor
Meghann Meeusen, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jil Larson, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Scott Kaukonen, Ph.D.
Abstract
The Heavy is a novel about an actor attempting to move from villainous roles to heroic roles in 1940's Hollywood. His attempts to leave behind "heavy" roles are met with indifference or hostility from the studio heads. As the characters he plays become increasingly vile, he begins to dissociate and identify more with his alter egos than himself. The novel asks who are we beyond how we are treated and the roles we inhabit? What is the role of the audience in the construction of the self? How do appearances affect reality?
Access Setting
Dissertation-Abstract Only
Restricted to Campus until
4-1-2125
Recommended Citation
Harrison, Cody, "The Heavy" (2025). Dissertations. 4168.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/4168