Written by Bernard Barbara for Prof. Rebecca Million In the novel Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe demonstrates various journalistic, political, philosophical, and moral traits that, at the time of writing his work, were part of his perspectives — as a journalist and propagandist — on colonial society. He demonstrates the damaging impact of self-interest on a society and on the individual throughout the events suffered by colonial society and humanity during his time, through political, natural, and personal lessons in…
Read More Read More
Written by Valeria Cori-Manocchio for Prof. Gina Granter “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter is set in the genteel English countryside and follows the mischievous adventures of Peter, an anthropomorphized rabbit. This rabbit protagonist resonates with children due to his innocence and adorability. Nevertheless, Peter Rabbit personifies the non-human, but childish, archetype used to teach children about proper behavior. Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” expresses through allusion to biblical teachings, characterization of the protagonist, and irony…
Read More Read More
Written by Matthew Iakov Liberman for Prof. Kristopher Woofter Hunger and Gender: Attitudes towards Performativity And I eat men like air. —“Lady Lazarus” Poststructuralism has long been concerned with the alluring failure of representation, as succinctly vocalized by Faulkner’s Addie Bundren: “words are no good,” she plainly states; “[they don’t] ever fit even what they are trying to say at” (171). The “performance art” of Franz Kafka’s “A Hunger Artist” (1922) seems unrelated—until considered through that fracturing insight—to David Henry…
Read More Read More
Written by Sahib Al-shemeri for Prof. Bassel Atallah When individuals are stuck in a life of monotony and desperation, then their imaginations begin to wander because they are seeking escape from the daily routine that deprives them of adventure. In most instances, people have a healthy understanding of reality and can function normally. The Wingfield family is an example of individuals who can no longer bear the strain of their existence, causing each of the family members to break down…
Read More Read More
Written by Austin Barbosa for Prof. Rebecca Million In Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, the author tells the unfortunate and compelling tale of a very ordinary man living much of his life under extraordinary circumstances. Through the interpretation of the symbolism presented in the novel, this essay will argue that the character of Robinson Crusoe represents an embodiment of the transcending individualistic way of being that began to emerge in the 18th century, going so far as to conclude that…
Read More Read More
Written by Simone Steadman-Gantous for Prof. Kristopher Woofter In both The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Stevenson, and The Confusions of Young Törless, by Robert Musil, the main characters feel split between the rational side of themselves and the side that is the more impulsive and desire driven. Dr.Jekyll is a doctor who creates a potion so as to separate these two sides of himself, which results in his transformation into Mr. Hyde. Törless is a…
Read More Read More
Written by Ian Fenner for Prof. Roy Cartlidge The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said “The only constant is change”. While I can’t comment on the circumstances under which he spoke or wrote those words, I can say that it is perhaps the most simplistically true group of words ever to be assembled. It is applicable to almost any situation; for example, as I write this, I am sitting on a train that is moving at upwards of 80 miles per…
Read More Read More