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February 25, 2006
Politics in Literature
Foster (11 and 13) -- Jerz: Intro to Literary Study (EL150)
"Writing that engages the realities of its world--that thinks about human problems, including those in the social and political realm, that addresses the rights of persons and the wrongs of those in power..."
This is so true. When looking back through stories I have read, I think if any of them had any thing that connected with the general theme of politics, a few. However after reading the next couple pages, Foster gives an example about Rip Van Winkle. He demonstrated how it is possible to include politics and not have it pop right at you.
I think the reason people enjoy having politics included in the reading a little bit is because it shows the realities of the world that they dont often see. In the Rip Van Winkle example he wrote about the connection of politics and the changing of the hotel. This shows a change in ownership that is caused by the government and effects the surrounding citizens.
We dont often notice the little changes that occur in stories that include some spice of politics.
This chapter 13 by Foster was great because i can look back at Antony and Cleopatra and see the political side to it, as well as the other readings i have read.
Posted by Denamarie at February 25, 2006 08:51 PM
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Comments
That's right, Dena. While I don't expect everyone to re-read the whole play every few days, I do hope that when you see the play, you'll keep what Foster has said in the back of your mind, along with with you're about to read in the academic articles over the next couple days.
There's a line of thought that argues that all art is political, in that the artist makes a conscious choice to challenge the status quo, to tolerate it (with perhaps some modifications), or to celebrate it.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at February 26, 2006 12:10 AM
I do not know what madness struck me down!
I wrote this comment curlishly -- in prose!
Forgive my lapse. I'll try again, in verse.
Well-spoken, Dena. Reading it again
Each day's too much to ask, I realize.
I hope that when you see the play, you'll keep
In mind what Foster wrote, along with what
You'll see in articles these next few days.
One line of thought says politics and art
Go hand in hand. Each artist makes the choice:
To tolerate or change the stauts quo,
To curse or maybe praise what's come before.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at February 26, 2006 03:33 PM
I agree with you, Dena, on the idea that politics of the time can enhance someone's story. The issue at hand is whether or not the author can properly infuse the commentary of the day with his or her story, and not compromise plot or timelessness.
The other issue needs to be education. Too often, there are uneducated writers and artist out there who inject their work with political opinion that is unfounded and unresearched. I think the smarter the author, the harder it is to find the political beliefs within the story.
Posted by: Mike Rubino at February 26, 2006 08:06 PM
What is the political side you see when looking back to Antony and Cleopatra? You definately have proven some key points in your blog! :)
Posted by: ElyseBranam at February 26, 2006 09:01 PM
Good insight. When you think about it, Shakespeare was all about politics in his writing. In Romeo and Juliet, their parents are both high power and are fighting about money and differences. Isn't that what politicians usually fight about anyway?
Posted by: Erin Waite at February 27, 2006 12:40 PM