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
- Protagonist: Central character around whom the story revolves.
- Antagonist: Character opposing the protagonist.
- Major Characters: Well-developed, significant characters evolving throughout the story.
- 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
- Why is Mistry's critique of assimilation significant?
- How does Sarosh's conclusion relate to the broader themes?
- What significance does the cricket-related narrative have?
- Explore storytelling’s meaning in "Squatter".
- 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.