ABSTRACT
This dissertation explores identity as its central theme. There are three components to the
dissertation. The first is the academic essay which explores identity through the
perspective of queer theory and proposes a three-dimensional conception of an “identity
cloud”. The second component is the creative essay which consists of ten chapters
towards a final novella entitled “troll”. The creative component’s central theme is the
lead protagonist’s struggle in assimilating the identities of “gay” and “addict” after
receiving a liver transplant. The third and final component is an essay detailing the
manner in which the creative and academic created and informed one another.