Topics for second essay

1. In many of the books we’ve looked at in this course, the weight and the allure of History plays a tremendous role in the lives of the characters. Focusing on a single character from two of the following novels (The Diviners, Next Episode, Ana Historic, The Englishman’s Boy, or Mercy Among Children), examine how each character grapples with the concept of History, whether personal, public, or both, and how it shapes their relation to the world.

2. Two of the novels we have looked at, Next Episode and Ana Historic, employ innovative styles, to say the least, to achieve a particular effect. Looking at both books, examine how each of these experiments in literary form is connected to the content of the book. In other words, what techniques do the authors use and why? Are these plays with form successful?

Essay length: 1500 - 2000 words
DUE April 25 11:15 AM

Richard Harrison's visit

A reminder that Richard Harrison will be coming to our class on Wednesday April 20th. I am making this an open class, so you are welcome to invite anyone you know who would be interested in hearing him read and talk about his work. Of course, please also make sure that you have read the book (ahem) by Monday and have a few questions ready to ask Richard while he is here.

I've posted something on my personal blog about Richard's latest poem, "NH Elegy," which has been hitting the news around the world since it was first published last week.