Date of Award
Spring 6-12-2026
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in English
Organizational Unit
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, English and Literary Arts
First Advisor
Clark Davis
Second Advisor
W. Scott Howard
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Communion, Crux, Dinner, Narrative tool, Satiety, Satisfaction
Abstract
This thesis explores the usage of communion as a narrative tool within literary works across eras, genres, and places of origin. It is described and defined as a tool due to instances of communion operating as an essential determinate, or crux, within narrative structures in order to dictate a specific outcome(s) within the relationships and social standings of those seated at the table—for better or worse. The thesis begins by establishing the definition of communion and its pervasive and participatory presence in our everyday existence. It then shows how said pervasiveness is apparent through common colloquial representation in the storytelling modes of film and television. Once this is established, it defines how the presence of communion in these storytelling modes originated within the literary tradition, and provides a background on that origin. It then details a variety of methods authors have utilized communion for, ultimately designating it as not merely a literary phenomenon, but rather an essential and effective tool operating throughout literary history. The purpose of this narrative tool is to ascertain whether or not the characters and the relationships they bring to the table are capable of being satiated at least physically, but ideally socially, by the communion, and how the success or failure of achieving true satiety ultimately determines whether their and their relationships’ fates are blessed or doomed for the narrative’s remainder.
Copyright Date
6-2026
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Rachel Kay Davis
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
90 pgs
File Size
450 KB
Recommended Citation
Davis, Rachel Kay, "To Dine or Devour: Collapse Instead of Communion at Dinner Tables Throughout Literature" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2700.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2700
Included in
Catholic Studies Commons, Other English Language and Literature Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Visual Studies Commons