WRITE602 GE: Reinvention

In this seminar, we'll read and analyze classic fiction, ancient myth, and fairy tales. We'll then recast, relocate, and reimagine major and minor literary characters, their dilemmas and their narratives in different and/or contemporary settings. From a variety of rich legacies, we'll study language, style, character, plot, historical context, and what Henry James calls moral consciousness. Psyche is forbidden to see Amor? Not these days! Surely with mom home, Kafka can host a salon. Who says the South can't rise again above the broken levees and lives? Rather than throw herself away, Ophelia flees to a commune in Quebec where she runs into Meursault. Sequels and prequels possible. At the very least, we'll change the destiny of a fictional life and possibly its fate. Subversion deeply welcome. Readings TBA.