CREATOR UNKNOWN A thesis submitted to the Kent State University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for General Honors by Coralmarie Louise Rich May, 2011 Thesis written by Coralmarie Louise Rich Approved by ________________________________________________________________, Advisor _______________________________________________, Chair, Department of English Accepted by _____________________________________________________, Dean, Honors College ii Table of Contents Preface……………………………………………………………………………………..v Acknowledgments………………………………………………………………………...vi Isaiah Quote................................................................................................................................vii Chapter I. In the Clouds......................................................................................................1 II. The Three Hundred Year Staircase..................................................................8 III. Companions on the Journey............................................................................18 IV. An Audience with Abdiel, Ariella, and Andres............................................34 V. Unearthing Eden...............................................................................................48 VI. Forbidden Fruits...............................................................................................58 VII. The Power of love..............................................................................................67 VIII. A Snake in the Garden.....................................................................................80 IX. Dragged From Paradise...................................................................................95 X. Deadly Curiosity..............................................................................................101 XI. Judgment Day..................................................................................................116 XII. Death Penalty...................................................................................................122 XIII. With Every Death There is New Life............................................................127 XIV. The Bonds of Friendship................................................................................135 XV. A Most Loyal Servant....................................................................................140 XVI. A Fugitive of Heaven.....................................................................................152 XVII. Pray..................................................................................................................160 XVIII. A New Order..................................................................................................174 iii XIX. A Tribute to Love..........................................................................................178 XX. I Solemnly Swear..........................................................................................181 Afterward................................................................................................................................184 iv Preface I am so happy to have completed my honors senior thesis. It was my first attempt at writing a young adult novel, and as I wrote it I learned a great deal about myself, especially in regards to my own personal belief system. I was being raised in a Catholic home and attended Catholic primary and secondary schools all my life, yet I never really questioned my beliefs until about the age of sixteen. Ever since then I feel like I have been on a long journey of self-discovery to determine who I am and what I really believe in. In no way am I using this novel as a piece of propaganda. I would say that this story was the result of twelve years of Catholic education, some twisted insight gained from my life experiences, and a little divine inspiration. Fortunately for me I was able to work on my thesis for one semester, study abroad for a semester, and then return to finish it this Fall 2010. I believe it was the time away from the project that made writing it more enjoyable and it allowed me to look at it with fresh eyes. Not thinking about my thesis for months, made it exciting for me to come back and read it. I remembered what I was thinking when I wrote a certain chapter, why I wrote a certain line of dialogue, or why I created a certain character. I became more excited as I realized some new revisions that I could make based on my newly gained experiences. Overall I am very pleased with how this novel turned out. I think it is a great reflection of me as a writer, and I hope that it will be the novel that will launch my writing career. I would also like to recognize the fact that I could not have done this project on my own. Many wonderful people in my life were great sources of inspiration and support and I know that without them this project would not be what it is today. v Acknowledgments The first person that I need to thank is Dr. Kimberly Winebrenner for taking over as my thesis advisor. The project was already halfway completed when my original advisor, Mrs. Kimberly Todd-White, tragically passed away, but Dr. Winebrenner graciously agreed to take over her position as my new thesis advisor to see my project to its completion. She was both a wonderful critic and supporter of my work and I can never thank her enough for all that she has done for me. I would like to thank my oral defense committee members Mr. Patrick Lyons, and Dr. John Updegraff, for taking the time from their busy schedules to read my first attempt at young adult literature. I am grateful to have such an esteemed panel of people reading my work. Financially this project was somewhat costly and so I definitely need to thank Marianna Hofer of the University of Findlay for sponsoring me. Some other people whom I would like to thank are Victoria Bocchichio and Becky Gares of the honors college who have been wonderful advisors to me throughout my years at Kent. If it weren’t for the honors college I would not have gotten the opportunity to write this thesis. I would also like to thank my number one supporter and best friend, Barbara Rich, although I call her mom. She has always been there for me and so much of who I am today is because of her. I love you so much mom. Finally and most importantly I would like to recognize and thank a wonderful woman who unfortunately is no longer with us, Mrs. Kimberly Todd-White. She was such a great spirit, a fantastic professor and thesis advisor to me, and I would like to dedicate this project to her. I hope that it makes her proud. vi “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” Isaiah 45:7 vii CHAPTER I In the Clouds His long, thin fingers gently caressed the wispy clouds that covered the hard mar- ble floor beneath him. The swirling particles tickled his tender alabaster flesh, dancing at his lightest touch. Lavender eyelids were closed against the brilliant sun, which bathed his entire body in its warmth. All around him was a cerulean sky dotted with thousands of floating white islands. All were sumptuously soft, and bathed in a golden glow. Yet another glorious day... Mihael’s chest rose and fell in a heavy sigh as he shifted restlessly. The clouds around him molded instantly to accommodate his new position, but he shifted yet again unable to feel comfortable. His fingers forgot about caressing the cloud and moved to run through his ebony colored hair. The pale fingers were a striking contrast as they moved roughly through the thick waterfall of locks, disturbing the seamless flow. His heavy eyelids lifted slowly to reveal shining emeralds. Their radiant color rivaled that of the skies above, but unlike the peaceful cerulean, Mihael’s emerald eyes were troubled. He sighed again, turning his head to the right. A few feet away lay Rhamiel. He was the picture of peace, sprawled gracefully across one of the plush chaise lounges that decorated the breathtaking outdoor balcony. His body shim- mered. Rhamiel was a golden angel, the most revered class of all heaven’s angels. With light honey-colored skin, hazel eyes hidden behind marigold eyelids, and a head of golden curls that gently framed his delicate features, he was an amazing sight to behold. Mihael contin- ued to stare at Rhamiel with a mixture of admiration and envy. As if sensing Mihael’s gaze, Rhamiel’s warm eyes opened. He turned his head to 1 2 stare back at Mihael. For several moments the two angels merely gazed at one another. Em- erald boring into topaz. “Peaceful isn’t it, Mihael?” Rhamiel asked, trying to make polite conversation. “I guess so,” Mihael replied, redirecting his gaze to the bright blue sky. His fingers returned to stirring the cloud beneath him. Mihael was surprised to have Rhamiel out on the balcony with him. Most of the other angels avoided this place in heaven because they knew that Mihael had claimed it as his unofficial, make-shift home. The view of the sky did not matter to them. If Mihael was out on the balcony they were more content to remain inside one of the other small chapels and alcoves of heaven without any view. Rhamiel was one of the few angels that didn’t seem to mind being around Mihael. Even though he was a golden angel, he didn’t use his high position against the other angels. Rhamiel respected the fact that Mihael had been created before himself, and acknowledged that Mihael wielded more power than he. Almost all other angels, be they of gold, silver,