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Description of the Thesis:

As the title suggests, it is a partial translation of a book by Vladimir Iakovlevich Propp, where argues that the plot and motifs fairy tales (or wondertales) are derived from actual rituals that actually exists. That is, in the wondertale the hero leaves from home, goes to some distant world or kingdom, and returns, usually with some magical ability or object; in the ritual, the boy leaves home, and goes to the forest or wilderness, where he is tested, symbolically killed and revived, and returns home as a new or changed man. The result of this project is about 135 pages of translation, as well as commentary on the process of translating this book, as well as an essay/commentary on alternative theories of the origins of the wondertale, and how Propp's theory fits in with them.

Advisor: Mikhail Gronas

Secondary Reader: Deborah Garretson