Vivarium

Abstract

Monsters and folklore are vital components of making and unmaking within the creative and non-creative ecosystem. Their significance not only lies in what they reveal to us about our culture, but also enact as a mode in which narrative is challenged and structured. They are more importantly tied to the primordial innovation that is our imagination, which composites fact and fiction within the same space. This poetry collection seeks to demonstrate how monstrosity, folklore, and the fantastical are still prevalent within our society today. From poems based on research about body brokers, de-extinction projects, and “cybrothels” to gender, language, diaspora, and form, Vivarium demonstrates how monsters influence our socio-cultural and socio-political landscapes, and the importance of questioning, complicating, and reflecting on boundaries. It presents odd associations where the horrific and strange is both beautiful and terrifying, and relies on elements of weird fiction and prose poetry as a means to demonstrate poetic monstrosity. The research presented in this collection justifies the significance of monster theory within academic and creative pursuits, and asks readers to contemplate on the power of narrative.

Date of Award	2 Jul 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	Oliver Hazzard (Supervisor)