Orson Scott Card: Without Joseph Smith and Mormonism There Would Be No Seventh Son, No Red Prophet, No Alvin Maker

Abstract

This thesis project examines the idea of religious belief as an integral part of Orson Scott Card’s science fiction and fantasy novels, the Tales of Alvin Maker specifically. Similar to the work of C.S. Lewis, often viewed as literature through which the author reveals Christian doctrine, beliefs, and iconic images, this thesis project examines the fantastical literary work of Card as he articulates Mormon history, tradition and doctrine in an “other-world setting,” with a primary focus on Mormonism's mystical and archetypal aspects.