Such Beautiful Animals

Date of Award

Winter 2023

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Creative writing

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

First Advisor

Ann J Williams

Second Advisor

Clark Knowles

Third Advisor

Sue Hertz

Abstract

Such Beautiful Animals is a collection of short stories that explore power dynamics between men and women in relationships, family and domestic life, as well as miscommunication in friendships and in love. This set of 18 stories, which includes five flash pieces and a six-page novel start, predominantly follows women in their 20s who are navigating complex romantic relationships and learning how to find selfhood, identity, and a future where they can be their full selves. These stories explore the ineffective ways people often interact in modern life—often, a character will be looking for meaning or selfhood through conversation, only to be rebuffed and left searching for it elsewhere. The title “Such Beautiful Animals,” is a nod to the sense of the “animal” (if you will) in these characters, and in all of us. The title is an equalizer of sorts, an admittance that at the end of the day we’re all just creatures, and we can act a little (or a lot) foolish and still find a little bit of hope in the small things.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS