Abstract

This thesis explores shell shock--a common but misunderstood disorder seen in soldiers of World War One--through a Medical Humanities framework. Chapter 1 conducts a traditional medical review of scientific articles published on the pathology, symptoms, and treatment of shell shock between 1914-50. Chapter 2 builds upon this by offering a literary reading of Rebecca West's novel, The Return of the Soldier, which was published as the war drew to a close in 1918. The reading of West draws upon the medical research detailed in Chapter 1 to offer new conclusions about Chris's shell shock. The thesis shows how taking an interdisciplinary approach to shell shock enables the development of new perspectives of and approaches to shell shock, its history and significance, and its links to present-day mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thesis Completion

2019

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Kane, Louise

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Undergraduate Studies

Department

Interdisciplinary Studies

Degree Program

Interdisciplinary Studies

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2019

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