| The traditional mythic hero was assumed to be a male who was separated from his known world, was initiated into a new consciousness, then, returned to his community. This dissertation argues that there are new stories in which the hero is a female. These new female heroes portray the archetype of the hero and the process of individuation. They can be used as role models by adolescent girls and can encourage girls to progress developmentally.;The introductory chapter discusses developmental issues of adolescent girls and highlights the special needs of girls which can be addressed in their literature. It also contains an overview of relevant Jungian concepts of archetypes and a review of literature with special attention paid to female archetypes and the archetype of the maiden. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 are primarily concerned with the individuation process of the hero; however, each chapter has different secondary issues. Three of Cynthia Voigt's realistic fictional works, Homecoming, Dicey's Song, and Come a Stranger, are the focus of the second chapter, in which not only individuation but also developmental issues are discussed. The third chapter treats works in which individual differences and ego strength are issues: Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time and Elizabeth Marie Pope's Perilous Gard. Two fantasies and a fairy tale by Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword, and Deerskin, are the subject of the fourth chapter. The symbolism surrounding such objects as the horse, the cat, the dragon, and the sword are examined in the first two books. The trauma of incest is the secondary issue in Deerskin. The final chapter includes the conclusion, interpretations, and implications. |
