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Blaming the beast: fear, blame, and the inhumane
Thesis   Open access

Blaming the beast: fear, blame, and the inhumane

Chayna K Truex
University of Iowa
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Iowa
Autumn 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.008207
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Abstract

I have always been curious about how societies create monsters in stories and culture, reflecting their own fears and prejudices. By examining the language of light and shadow, it reveals how these elements symbolize what we choose to reveal or hide about ourselves. Lanterns serve as storytelling conduits, much like campfires where people gather to share tales, blending diverse voices and traditions. Throughout this exploration, the research will challenge us to reconsider where fear ends and empathy begins, suggesting that what we label as monstrous often mirrors our own vulnerabilities. I invite the reader to rethink narratives and perhaps aim to transform fear into a shared journey towards understanding.
Bestiary Folklore Gender Lantern Monstrosity

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