The importance of identity and Aboriginal mothering.

The purpose of this thesis is to examine, through cultural studies, the works of Ken Kesey and establish that he is building upon certain long-standing mores and myths in American society and that, despite being popularly viewed as a countercultural icon, his works demonstrate that he is actually more of a traditionalist in terms of his views. He is a writer who believes individualism is both a right and a means of personal success and emotional well-being. As such, his works embody the kind of frontier mentality outlined by Frederick Jackson Turner and Richard Slotkin. These works promote the belief that American independence stems from characteristics that are necessarily forged when people leave the city for the frontier, characteristics such as pragmatism and self-sufficiency.