Week 20

Question 1

Literature as an Act of Resistance- How?

Answer 1

-Ability to convey powerful ideas in metaphors & symbols, & plain language to everyone. (Accessibility)
-It stirs passion in the mind (Inspires)
-Provides a platform for a voice that may not be heard otherwise, & speaking to people it may not otherwise have the chance to.
-Has an ability to change culture non-violently.
-The act of writing itself can be an act of resistance against oppression- ex: an act of free speech, act in defence of individual freedom, criticism of authoritarian social norms or governments, finding meaning and pleasure
-Resistance can be found in (1) the language used, (2) the types of characters at the centre of the plot & how they behave, (3) the scenery of the work, and/or (4) in the subject matter of the work itself.
-If it becomes a ‘classic’ it has lasting power to change mids well beyond its original context & time- lasting resistance.

Question 2

Literature as Resistance- Gilman

Answer 2

-Story is about a woman who suffers from postpartum depression & is locked in a room by her husband for the sake of her health; Begins to suffer a breakdown

-She uses this story to raise awareness & to change minds about the role women have in society - showing how their lack of autonomy is harmful to their mental, emotional, and physical health & wellbeing; Also opening conversations about mental health & the way women are treated when they struggle

-Inspired by the treatment she received by her first husband

-Operates through allegory

Question 3

Literature as Resistance- Woolf

Answer 3

-The essay speaks about the plight & suffering of women in the 15th & 16th centuries in England, through an imaginary sister of Shakespeare & her own experiences

-She uses this to raise concerns about contemporary women’s plights in a male dominated society- ex: denial of education to girls; violence against women; freedom of expression for women; lack of socioeconomic opportunities basic rights like personhood, dignity & equality

-Operates through metaphor (analogy)

Question 4

Literature as Resistance- Walker

Answer 4

-She speaks to black women dealing with issues related to self-respect & self-worth
-She uses the work of other black poets & writers to gain deeper insight into black women of their era
-In early literature by black men, black women were depicted as hopeless & characterized as merely sex objects.
-She humanizes them by calling them ‘our mothers & grandmothers’
-Black women’s potential for creative freedom was stunted by their position in society- through stereotypes & caricatures that delegitimize their contributions.
-Black women who have created masterpieces of literature, theatre, art & science have done so with the scraps they’ve been thrown
-Oppression has caused many talented black women to go unnoticed & become obscure
-Operates by direct commentary & through metaphor.