Date
8-29-2024
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Chair
Karen Dodson
Keywords
Modern Literary Era, literary techniques and devices, history of Chicago, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, Irish immigration, historical fiction, katy foster
Disciplines
Creative Writing | English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
Foster, Katy Leigh, "1930 Chicago, Irish American Life, And Its Adaptation into Historical Fiction: The Ups and Downs of Percival Dooley, A Novella" (2024). Masters Theses. 1217.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1217
Abstract
The thesis examines and explains literary techniques of historical fiction. Observations and studies of historical photographs and handwritten letters, along with qualitative research through studies, journals, historical fiction pieces, and Chicago info-maps, provided accuracy for the historical fiction and a clear reflection of humanity, which is significant in understanding the argument.
Ultimately, the historical fiction shows not just 1930 American society, but where it is today. The thesis argues and proves that whimsical tones are appropriate and effective despite the uneasy time and setting and the foreboding conflicts during 1930.
The story is set in Chicago in the year 1930. The protagonist is an Irish American named Percival Dooley. Embedded within the story is the characters’ lives during the time of Prohibition and enjoyment with the Roaring Twenties’ results. Dooley is given the job as an elevator attendant during a time of Union formations, particularly in hospitality and service industries.
