Date of Award
12-1985
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Peter Northouse
Second Advisor
Dr. Donald VanHoeven
Third Advisor
Dr. Ernest Stech
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Utilizing Bormannean fantasy theme analysis, this study examined the rhetoric of "The Big Book", the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous. Three dominant rhetorical visions were found corresponding to Cragan and Shield's conception of rhetorical visions as social, pragmatic and righteous at the metalevel. These rhetorical visions were labeled The Rich Man, Poor Man Vision (social), The Greater Power Vision (righteous), and The Solution Vision (pragmatic). The accompanying fantasy themes of dramatis personae, setting, plotline and sanctioning agent were delineated. The implications of this study for substance abuse therapists and AA members were examined and further research was suggested.
Recommended Citation
Ford, Leigh Arden, "A Bormannean Fantasy Theme Analysis of “The Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous" (1985). Masters Theses. 1369.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1369