Category Archives: Courses
GS 554 — Reimagining the Gendered Classics: The Catcher in the Rye
Our discussion of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye spawned the following: Themes: The call and answer (or lack of answer) in Holden’s experiences. Holden’s preoccupation with protecting innocence. Authenticity versus phoniness. Grief. The importance of human relationships. The commodification of elements of universal human experience. Desperation. Alienation. Connection. Questions: As children/teenagers form identities, …
Continue reading “GS 554 — Reimagining the Gendered Classics: The Catcher in the Rye”
Tuppence a Bag
My mother tells me that I went through a phase when I was little where the only movie I ever wanted to watch was Mary Poppins. Every day I asked her if I could watch it. I know the movie by heart. Do you remember the bird lady, who sits in front of St. Paul’s …
The National Gallery…Vermeer? Monet!
The Kitchen Maid, A Lady Writing a Letter, and, of course, Girl with a Pearl Earring. All amazing works by the Dutch painter during the 17th century, Johannes Vermeer. His paintings have inspired novels, other paintings, films, and even operas and music. So naturally, as we headed to The National Gallery in London, I was …
Writing Britain
I just returned from the British Library’s “Writing Britain” exhibition. The exhibition is a celebration of the country’s literary achievements stretching back nearly a thousand years, and includes books like the oldest surviving edition of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The exhibition is broken down into sections based on literary themes, such as the …
Here We Are.
I step up to the ticketing counter and heave my duffel onto the scale. “You on the Heathrow flight?” the agent asks. I’m digging through my bag for my passport—flustered—so I only nod. He tags my duffel, then asks, “You from London?” “What? No, California born and raised.” I slide my passport across the counter. …
British Lingo
Before I arrived in London, just the thought of being anywhere near where Shakespeare once walked was exciting–and it certainly is. But it turns out that the culture of the Londoners is fascinating me just as much. I feel as though I’m walking through some kind of fairytale land (with real double-decker buses and red …
Exploring the Train Stations
Before the class started, I had some time to explore London by myself! I went to King’s Cross Station and this is what I found!
London Calling
Going to London. It feels big. Like it should be in capital letters. I AM GOING TO LONDON. Maybe an explicative should be thrown in there for effect. You think people are going to be different, everything is going to be different. The minute you cross the ocean and hit land the air itself will …
GS 554 — Reimagining the Gendered Classics: Huck Finn
Here is a growing list of themes and questions that have arisen during our discussion of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Themes: The cultural image of the teacher/reformer as a heroic savior figure/miracle worker. Huckleberry Finn’s growth as a result of loving relationships rather than instruction. The role of place in grounding identity …
Continue reading “GS 554 — Reimagining the Gendered Classics: Huck Finn”
