Table of Contents
Week 11
Monday
Continued discussion of the Blind Man with a focus on modernist poems that challenge some traditional expectations (and notions of good/bad).
B. Good Modernist Poetry
- In what ways do the poems in this journal also reflect challenges to some conventional ideas of good poetry?
- See esp. these three poems. How does each challenge a “convention” or a reader's expectation?
- Compare these to another Modernist poem by Elsa Von Freytag Loringhoven.
We may not have time, but it would be interesting to consider how Marcel Duchamp's own poems relate to his art. And what is with these visual artists and composers who also write poetry? (See: SurCensure. )
We'll continue with Eagleton tomorrow. Please read the second half of the chapter (via Perusal) in which he looks at some specific examples.
Tuesday
Carrying over - Mina Loy “O Marcel” from prior class.
Help? (What if this piece is a part answer to Frank Crowninshield link?
Introduction to Terry Eagleton. The chapter from his book explores the notion that the way literature has been read, interpreted, and evaluated has changed over time. Setting aside challenging examples like mesostic poetry, Eagleton shows that different groups of evaluators (critics, teachers, general readers) have not always, universally, operated with the same framework. This is important to reflect on if we sense there's some historical change in what is valued.
Eagleton Reading - “Value” via Perusall
- How does the author characterize Neo-Classical and views of what gives value to literature?
- In what ways does Romanticism differ?
- How does Modernism compare? Is it a complete rejection of what came before or?
- What does Postmodernism value?
- These priorities aren't random. Does Eagleton help you see why values/criteria might change? What general views about the world (or art's function) undergird these emphases? (Hint: passages referencing a world view
Caution: Eagleton often “speaks for” or takes up the view of the group he is representing. So on one page he will speak about what literature should do for Neo-classicists and two pages later he is explaining why modernists reject this. BE CAREFUL that you don't assume everything he writes is “his” opinion.
Activity: Value Words
(What are some of the key words/phrases Eagleton introduces to name aspects of literature that critics and readers have used to praise literature at some point in time?)
- novelty
- realism
- . . . .
Carry over to Thursday
Beyond “opinion”
- read
- reflect
- discuss
Eagleton suggests that enjoyment is not the same as admiration and that while we can't assess the value of a work of literature with 100% objectivity, it's not a random free-for-all either. How does Eagleton try to explain and defend “judgement” or evaluation? Does his position make sense to you? Do you find it persuasive? Why or why not?
Homework:
- Review Unit B Short Essay assignment to discuss Thursday
Thursday
Further discussion of Eagleton
Beyond “opinion”
When issues of judgement come up, we are often caught in the binary notion that things are either objective (True/False, simple answers, can be proven as fact and end debate) or subjective (simply a matter of preference, taste, personal view, it's an opinion and everyone has an equal right to have one etc.)
Eagleton proposes a kind of solution or compromise path (relevant not only to decisions about good and bad poems by the way).
- read
- reflect
- discuss
Eagleton suggests that enjoyment is not the same as admiration and that while we can't assess the value of a work of literature with 100% objectivity, it's not a random free-for-all either. link.
- How does Eagleton try to explain and defend “judgement” or evaluation?
- Does his position make sense to you?
- Do you find it persuasive? Why or why not?
- Would it be preferable if we just decided there's no way to determine good/bad? that it's all just a matter of opinions?
Interesting coincidence. Anyone recall the end of BHS's essay on “Value/Evaluation”? It grapples with a very similar problem link.
For next week
Friday
Drafting. Short Essay.
Class Time writing in lieu of a regular, face-to-face class meeting.
Upload a draft by midnight Friday. One Note Class Notebook
Due, Tuesday 11/8 - class time.
Next week we will transition from Modernism to looking at e-poetry or born-digital literature. Please read the following overview by Stephanie Strickland for Monday. Born Digital by Stephanie Strickland
- Read Born Digital
- Work on your short, evaluative essay: Due, Tuesday 11/8 - class time.