A transit in Azkaban

Having submitted his PhD thesis, Sean Perera finds parallels in the Book of the Dead. The all-consuming nature of PhD research leaves little of consequence to hold on to once the thesis is submitted. Feelings of worthlessness and lack of purpose amplify one's anxiety in the wake of thesis examination. The vestiges of previously accustomed student support structures and the need to reforge alliances with work colleagues add to the feelings of despair. One is destined to wait in limbo, a persona non grata even, til the fateful day the examiners' judgement is proclaimed. This post-submission...