Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Olson, Eric Lars
Author's Email Address	eolson3@vt.edu
URN	etd-05172011-113805
Title	Great Expectations: The Role of Myth in 1980s Films with Child Heroes
Degree	Master of Arts
Department	Communication Studies
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Waggenspack, Beth M. Committee Chair Howell, Buddy W. Committee Member Prince, Stephen R. Committee Member
Keywords	Cinema Spielberg Monomyth Myth Hero
Date of Defense	2011-05-03
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This study performed a mythic analysis on three films with child heroes including E.T. – the Extra-Terrestrial, Stand by Me, and The Goonies. Several unifying themes were extracted and then compared with the dominant values of Reagan America to determine if these films provided a unique cultural outlook. While most of the uncovered themes have been recognized in other films of the era, the theme of childhood as a community in peril is unique. It is purported these films pass judgment on Reagan as a dubious national patriarch, and that it is possible that this is a function that many myths with child heroes fulfill.
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