ENGL 1005 Literature: A Global Perspective - Week 4

Overview of the Course Content

• Instructor: Eric Schmaltz, Ph.D.
• Focus: Literature with a global perspective, examining themes of character and diaspora in literature.

Agenda

• Fan Fiction Assignment: Exploration of creative literature inspired by existing works.
• Character and Characterization: In-depth analysis of characters in literature.
• Diasporic Fiction: Understanding narratives that emerge from migration and cultural displacement.
• Reading: Thien’s "Simple Recipes" and Mistry’s "Squatters".
• Satire and Frame Narratives: Examination of narrative techniques and thematic critiques in literature.

Assignment Overview: Fan Fiction

• Create original works inspired by established characters and narratives, emphasizing reader engagement and imaginative storytelling.

Characters and Their Importance

• Characters are essential for storytelling; they drive action, dialogue, conflict, and resolution.
• Literature enables readers to see reflections of themselves through characters.

Types of Characters

• Character: Any individual featured in a literary work.
• Personification: Granting human qualities to nonhuman entities.

Classic Subcategories

1. Protagonist: Central character around whom the story revolves.
2. Antagonist: Character opposing the protagonist.
3. Major Characters: Well-developed, significant characters evolving throughout the story.
4. Minor Characters: Less developed, still contribute to the story’s narrative.

Dimensions of Characters

• Three-Dimensional Characters: Also known as round or full characters; they exhibit a range of traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Flat Characters: Defined by a single trait, often serving as side characters or foils.

Characterization Techniques

Character Desires

• Actions driven by characters’ desires enhance relatability and complexity.
• Characters can pursue love, knowledge, or revenge (examples: Anna Karenina, Robin Hood, Faust, Hamlet).

Character Actions

• Actions reflect core aspects of identity and can lead to transformation.
• Discovery and decisions surrounding work, love, and relationships are critical elements in literature.

Character Thoughts

• Inner thoughts reveal character identity; thought processes are crucial for deep characterization.

Character Needs

• Tension arises when a characters' wants conflict with their needs, creating opportunities for growth and change.

Focused Case Studies: Authors and Texts

Madeleine Thien

• Notable for "Simple Recipes" and "Certainty"; explores themes of family, immigration, identity.
• Quote on her interest in family dynamics and cultural identity.

“Simple Recipes”

• Narrator: Daughter reflecting on her childhood, conflict between her immigrant father's cultural pride and her brother's disconnect from heritage.
• Central Conflict: Disparity in cultural attachment leads to emotional and physical conflict.
• Example characterization of father and son illustrates cultural tension.

Notable Quotes and Analysis

• Character reflections encapsulate emotional complexities: "How to reconcile…" highlights familial complexity and love.

Rohinton Mistry

• Themes focus on diaspora, utilizing satire.
• Background: Immigrated from Bombay to Canada, known for social critiques.

“Squatters” and Narrative Techniques

• Satire: Critiquing assimilation and cultural identity through humor and irony.
• Frame Narrative: Storytelling device where one narrative exists within another (e.g. Nariman's stories).

Key Themes in “Squatters”

• Immigration experiences and cultural identity; explorations of societal expectations regarding assimilation.
• Use of humor and exaggeration to critique serious issues.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is Mistry's critique of assimilation significant?
2. How does Sarosh's conclusion relate to the broader themes?
3. What significance does the cricket-related narrative have?
4. Explore storytelling’s meaning in "Squatter".
5. Assess the relevance and impact of satire in contemporary literature.

Next Steps

• Upcoming tutorials focused on developing comprehension and analysis skills; assigned readings to enhance engagement with material.