Master of Arts, Miami University, 2019, French, Italian, and Classical Studies

This thesis, written in English, is a comparative analysis of Walter Benjamin's and Annie Ernaux's readings of 'A la recherche du temps perdu' by Marcel Proust. While Benjamin emphasizes Proust's storytelling capabilities and commends Proust for his descriptions of involuntary memory, Ernaux works more critically to reimagine a writing process removed of spontaneous experience. To develop this point, we apply Benjamin's definitions of `storyteller' and `experience'; to Ernaux's Les Annees (2008), an autobiography written almost entirely without the first-person singular pronoun. Using Benjamin's terminology, we question the relationship between writing and collectivity, not only asking `how is Les Annees a collective autobiography,' but also `how can one write collectively?' We conclude by unraveling the mechanics of the `collective image' at work in Les Annees: Ernaux's collective image does not speak for all people, nor does it claim to be an objective rendition of the past; rather, writing such an image is an ethical exercise, a social engagement with one's community and one's selves.

Committee: Audrey Wasser Dr. (Advisor); Elisabeth Hodges Dr. (Committee Member); Jonathan Strauss Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Comparative Literature; Literature; Modern Language; Modern Literature; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2013, Communication

Three studies examined the relationships between trait empathy, involuntary autobiographical memory, parasocial interaction, camera angles and scene affect. Four trait empathy dimensions are discussed to determine if they have unique influence on if and when the audience shares the emotions and mental states of characters, or trigger involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs), and experience parasocial interaction. Additionally, television and movie producers use camera angles and other production techniques to create shifting perspectives which influence various dimensions of empathy and influence how and when the audience shares the emotions and mental states of characters, or reflect upon their own. Study 1 demonstrates a positive relationship between trait perspective taking and trait personal distress and IAMs. Study 2 demonstrates significant but mixed relationships between camera angles, scene affect, and trait emotional concern and trait personal distress. Study 3 found no relationship between any IRI components and parasocial interaction; or IAMs and parasocial interaction. Limitations and future research considerations are discussed.

Committee: Daniel McDonald (Advisor) Subjects: Communication