The State of Discontent

Identifier

etd-04142010-204912

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

English

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Set in northern California in 1941, during a short-lived and obscure secession movement to create a new state called Jefferson, this novel traces the ups and downs of the movement itself and the everyday people who set their hopes on the push for statehood. Rebelling against the states they thought spent too much time catering to the needs of city-dwellers while ignoring their rural constituents, the movement was largely tongue-in-cheek, with protestors threatening to secede every Thursday until their demands were met and carrying signs with such slogans as “Our roads are not passable, they’re hardly jack-assable.” It was, however, also a serious struggle, and many involved believed passionately in the need for, and possibility of, a new state. The secession movement was extremely brief—only a few months—and abruptly ended when Pearl Harbor was bombed. The national good was judged more important than regional problems and the secessionists put down their signs.

Date

2010

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Bennett, James G.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1247

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