ENGL 10C: Literatures in English, 1850 to Present
Prof. BanShi
Question: Analyze the representation of historical events in literature. How
do authors navigate the balance between historical accuracy and artistic
interpretation?
Response: Literature frequently engages with historical events, with texts like Toni
Morrison's "Beloved" offering a nuanced exploration of the legacy of slavery.
Authors must delicately balance historical accuracy with artistic interpretation,
providing readers with both a compelling narrative and a thought-provoking
reflection on the past.
Question: Explore the theme of existentialism in 20th-century literature.
How do authors grapple with questions of meaning and existence in their
works?
Response: Existential themes permeate 20th-century literature, as seen in Albert
Camus' "The Stranger." The novel reflects the existential angst of its protagonist,
Meursault, as he navigates a seemingly indifferent world, prompting readers to
confront fundamental questions of meaning and existence.
