Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Scholars Compass Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2014 Rhetorical Ripples: The hC urch of the SubGenius, Kenneth Burke & Comic, Symbolic Tinkering Lee A. Carleton Virginia Commonwealth University,
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[email protected]. Rhetorical Ripples: The Church of the SubGenius, Kenneth Burke & Comic, Symbolic Tinkering A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Media, Art and Text Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University by Lee Allen Carleton B.S. Bible, Lancaster Bible College, 1984 M.A. English Composition, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1996 Director: Dr. Nicholas Sharp Assistant Professor English Department Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia November 2014 ii Dedication This work is dedicated to my wife Clary, my son Holden (6) and my daughter Huxley (3) who have inspired my ongoing efforts and whose natural joy, good humor and insight lit my wandering path. On the eve of my 53rd birthday, I can honestly say that I am a very fortunate and happy man. Acknowledgements Without a doubt, these few words can hardly express the gratitude I feel for my committee and their longsuffering patience with me as I finally found my focus.