ENG303B American Literature Unit 11: Contemporary Voices - EXTRA CREDIT

Kennedy's Inaugural Address

• Addressed on January 20, 1961.

• Key Themes: National unity, Cold War tensions, civil rights, and the commitment to both domestic and international responsibilities.

• Famous Quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

Contemporary Poets and Their Works

• "Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden

  • Explores themes of familial love and sacrifice, reflecting on the speaker's father and the unspoken emotions in their relationship.

• "Lady Freedom Among Us" by Suzan Shown Harjo

  • Celebrates Native American culture and critiques societal issues, presenting themes of identity and resilience.

• "Complexion" by A. Van Jordan

  • Examines race and identity in America, focusing on personal and collective experiences related to skin color.

Notable Authors

• Richard Rodriguez

  • Known for exploring themes of identity, culture, and education in works like "Hunger of Memory" and essays on bilingualism.

• Amy Tan

  • Focuses on mother-daughter relationships and Chinese-American experiences, famous for her novel "The Joy Luck Club."

• Julia Alvarez

  • Explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and immigration in both her poetry and novels, such as "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents."

• Suzan Shown Harjo

  • An advocate for Native American rights, her work includes poetry that blends personal and cultural history, aiming to reclaim narratives.

Summary

These authors and poets engage with complex themes of identity, culture, and history, offering rich perspectives on their respective subjects through various forms of expression.