English Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2042

This collection contains some of the theses and dissertations produced by students in the University of Oregon English Graduate Program. Paper copies of these and other dissertations and theses are available through the UO Libraries.

Browse

Browsing English Theses and Dissertations by Author "Bayless, Martha"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Neodruidry: Social Media Influences on Convoluted Belief
    (University of Oregon, 2022-10-26) Ehlinger, Jenna; Bayless, Martha
    Abstract: The history of Neodruidry is a convoluted journey from antiquity to social media. This research assesses the establishment and development of Neodruidry and examines how TikTok created and continues to create new versions of the religion. The main objective examines whether the TikTok portrayal of Neodruidry is a continuation of the historically broad religion or if the TikTok representation is a new version of Neodruidry. There is a clear ideological difference between the TikTok version of Neodruidry and the formal religious ideologies. Nevertheless, the Neodruidry of TikTok still fulfills the same functions of the online Neopagan religions despite its perpetuation of false Druidic information.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Making of A Princess: The Role of Ritual in Creating Community and Identity in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
    (University of Oregon, 2018-04-10) Parker, Deborah; Bayless, Martha
    Every weekend in the Society for Creative Anachronism, people from the far reaches of the globe leave behind the structures of their everyday lives, dress themselves in clothing from the Middle Ages, and construct medieval personae. Within a pastiche of fantastical and historical influences, participants create the “Middle Ages as they should have been,” a liminal space where they experience a temporary communitas. Through their participation in informal rituals and formal ceremonies, they celebrate each other’s successes and create a community—a utopia—in which courtesy and honor are the shared core values. In addition, through their performances, people access their creative potential and explore issues of identity. When the weekend is over, the participants return to their modern lives, and—for many—a residue of their temporary creative adaptation persists and contributes to a transformation of their person. Using my insight as a participant observer, this dissertation focuses on some of the elements that contribute to the process of community creation and personal transformation.