Date of Award
Spring 2020
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Humanities
Committee Chair
Dr. Angela Ball
Committee Chair School
Humanities
Committee Member 2
Dr. Monika Gehlawat
Committee Member 2 School
Humanities
Committee Member 3
Dr. Alexandra Valint
Committee Member 3 School
Humanities
Committee Member 4
Dr. Adam Clay
Committee Member 4 School
Humanities
Abstract
Praying in Bedlam is a collection of poems set in a fictionalized version of Bethlem Hospital in London, England. The collection ultimately functions as a study of characters enduring psychic extremity and spiritual confusion. Many of these characters are inspired by real life poets, scholars, dancers, and saints. As a consequence, writing and the making of art are the collection’s major actions and themes. I was drawn into fashioning my own imagined version of Bedlam as a result of my experiences with bipolar disorder. In the end, I’ve endeavored to depict both the degradation of mental illness and the possibility of redemption after doubt and suffering.
Copyright
David Johnson, 2020
Recommended Citation
Johnson, David, "Praying in Bedlam" (2020). Dissertations. 1772.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1772