Essay examines relationship between violence and culture

Goodman Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal

Popular culture may not seem to have much in common with psychoanalytic theory, but for Kevin Goodman, combining these two elements has paved the way to success.

The English scholar has won the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal (other than thesis) for his master’s essay, which focuses on the relationship of violence to race, class, sex and gender in Emile Zola’s play and novel, Thérèse Raquin.

"Zola expounded the view that the world is explainable through reason, science, and language, and he argued that authors should approach their characters in a detached, scientific manner," says Goodman. "Yet Thérèse Raquin, like much of Zola’s fiction, is obsessed with violence and disorder, which doesn’t fit into his proposed scientific approach. I was interested in this contradiction, and with the specific focus on violence."

Goodman’s fascination with this theme extends beyond the scope of language and literature. He sees it everywhere—in the news media, on the pages of books, and at the theatre.

"We all can take a rational position and denounce violence but it’s a bit more difficult to try to figure out why it has such a hold on us," says Goodman. "It’s too easy to say bad people do bad things. I’m interested in the ways modern society is horrified and fascinated by violence at the same time."

Goodman’s foray into representations of violence stems from his diverse interests in popular culture, communications and psychoanalytic theory. It’s this interdisciplinary approach that led him to select UVic for his graduate degree.

Goodman‘s supervisor, Dr. Sheila Rabillard, sees great promise for his future. "Kevin’s work always has a touch of the unexpected, and it’s plain that he will do brilliantly in his doctoral studies."

This fall, Goodman will continue to explore the relationship between violence and culture when he starts a PhD in visual and cultural studies at the University of Rochester.