Identification With the Weapon: Sword Angel

Abstract

Within all forms of narrative media, objects that characters make use of often become emblematic of their identity. Within the action genre, this manifests as characters becoming synonymous with the weapons they carry. Section I of this thesis analyzes how the bound-weapon trope provides avenues for authors to introduce themes of reinvention, rebirth, and rite-of-passage into their stories. It discusses the historical origins of the trope and modern interpretations of it. It investigates why the trope exists, as well as dissects various literal and metaphorical applications of it. Section II of this thesis includes an original screenplay (Sword Angel) and supplementary reading materials. The main character of the screenplay participates in the bound-weapon trope by creating a bound weapon of their own. iii