Literary Place
Final Exam Essay- choose one of the three novels and then choose one of the four characteristics from the handout “Literary Place” and discuss how the chosen character is reflected in the novel. The Essay should be 3 to 3 ½ pages, typed, double-spaced, and titled.
Novels to choose from Super-Cannes by J.G Ballard, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid.
The Four Characteristics to choose from: there are four key characteristics to it no matter how geographically different the literary place might be.
These characteristics are as follows:
1. It is contested in terms of race, gender, class, religion, sexuality, etc. Different mentalities / cultural entities struggle for a dominant or visible position within the place.
2. It is fluid because of historical forces. Even though it is static in terms of physical placement, it is dynamic in terms of actual meaning due to the passing of time.
3. It is interactional and relational. The different mentalities / cultural entities will use the space to either interact with one another or separate from one another.
4. It is generally defined by inequality and difference. Because of the three prior characteristics, it is almost impossible to see it as a place where all individuals are equal and deserve equal rights.
