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EvansK.the (final comments 1).pdf (332.29 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Valorous, the Villainous, and the Victimized: The Melodramatic Framework of Animal Rights Documentary

Evans, Kellie S
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6258-5567
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1405784577

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Arts, University of Akron, Communication.
This thesis explores the uses of melodrama in animal rights discourse by examining the documentary Earthlings. In this thesis, I examine the animal rights message of the documentary utilizing the ideology critical approach framed by melodrama to the argument of the following: 1) how melodrama works rhetorically to arouse emotions; 2) how melodrama motivates people to act; and finally, 3) how melodrama works to advance the goals of the filmmaker. Specifically, I focus on the rhetorical strategies of emotionalism, moralization, and polarization. Melodrama indicates the characters that are victimized, reveals the activist as heroes, and discloses the actions of villains who perpetuate evil acts on victims.
Mary Triece, Dr. (Advisor)
Patricia Hill, Dr. (Committee Member)
Kathleen Clark, Dr. (Committee Member)
82 p.
Communication; Rhetoric
melodrama; animal rights; documentary; feminist standpoint; rhetorical analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Evans, K. S. (2014). The Valorous, the Villainous, and the Victimized: The Melodramatic Framework of Animal Rights Documentary [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1405784577

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Evans, Kellie. The Valorous, the Villainous, and the Victimized: The Melodramatic Framework of Animal Rights Documentary. 2014. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1405784577.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Evans, Kellie. "The Valorous, the Villainous, and the Victimized: The Melodramatic Framework of Animal Rights Documentary." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1405784577

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.