EN1210 – Literature in Historical Perspective Winter 2022
In an essay of 1200 – 1500 words, answer one of the following questions in a formal, academic essay. You must include at least one academic secondary source (a critical book, journal article, theoretical essay) in your discussion. The essay must be in 12-point font, with one-inch margins, double-spaced, and adhere to MLA format (information is available at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/).
Please note: you cannot use the same text you use for your Group Presentation for your essay, and you will not be allowed to use your Research Essay or Presentation texts on your final exam.
The essay will be submitted electronically, via MyClass by 11:59pm on Apr. 4th. Essays submitted late will be penalized 5% per day, including weekends. Essays will no longer be accepted after Apr. 12th at midnight.
The essay will be evaluated based on the clarity and logic of the argument, the use of evidence and source material, and the technical and stylistic merit of the writing.
1. The end of the global conflicts of World War II drew further attention to racial and economic inequalities across the world. The literature of this era contending with civil rights and decolonization reflect an optimism looking ahead. Agree or disagree, using one or two course texts.
2. The power of escapism and imagination is at the core of Fantasy literature. The fantasy texts of the post-war period reflect a sense of denial. Agree or disagree, using any two course texts.
3. Institutional bodies and social structures faced critique and distrust in the aftermath of the wars. The literature of this era highlights the doubt in public institutions and shows how mistrust undermined the power of these bodies. Agree or disagree using any two course texts.
4. Science Fiction offers the potential for speculating and looking ahead, though the process of forecasting is looking at the present critically. Looking at any one SF course text, what is the political commentary that the narrative is offering?
5. The diversity of genres show authors engaging with the world around them through different lenses and perspectives. Considering two course texts from different genres, how do they articulate a consistent message or philosophy?
6. The disruption of the stable global community and the upheaval of colonial and political powers resulted in righteous rage and questions of justice. The expression of anger and nihilism is actually a form of optimism. Agree or disagree, using up to three course texts.
7. Literature is the process of rendering large-scale political concepts in a personal framework. Looking at any one course text, discuss how a character articulates and crystalizes a complex political subject.
8. A topic of your choosing – you must get your topic approved by Feb. 14th.
Suggested Critical Sources
These are not the only sources for your essay, but these may provide a good broad starting point for different texts and topics. All of these materials are available online or in print in the Learning Commons.
Booker, M. Keith & Anne Marie Thomas. The Science Fiction Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. eBook available through Learning Commons.
Burrell, Julie. The Civil Rights Theatre Movement in New York, 1939 – 1966: Staging Freedom. Palgrave Macmillan, 2019.
eBook available through Learning Commons.
Mendlesohn, Farah. Rhetorics of Fantasy. Wesleyan University Press, 2013. eBook available through Learning Commons.
Roberts, Adam. The History of Science Fiction. Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. PN 3433.8 R55 2006
Tolkien, J.R.R. “On Fairy Stories.” Folk and Fairy Tales. Ed. Martin Hallett & Barbara Karasek. Broadview Press, 1996.
PZ 8 F65 1996
Whittaker, David, editor. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: 1958-2008. Rodopi, 2011. eBook available through Learning Commons.
York, R.A. Agatha Christie: Power and Illusion. Palgrave, 2006. eBook available through Learning Commons.
Online databases:
English subject-area databases: https://libguides.gprc.ab.ca/az.php?s=3970 History subject-area databases: https://libguides.gprc.ab.ca/az.php?s=3971