This course most influentially taught the value of connecting texts with historical contexts. The Research Excurios showed how researching events mentioned in the texts helps to create a more developed understanding of the entire novel. Through the Research Excursions, I was able to better comprehend the complex motivations and actions of the characters in the novels we read, as well as the broader social and historical forces that influenced them. I was also able to better understand why characters acted how they did by better understanding the social pressures and historical contexts that influenced their actions, values, and opportunities. While fictional characters exist only within books, the situations they navigate, the hurdles they overcome, the values they hold, the discrimination they face, etc., all exist in the real world. Connecting reality to fiction creates a better understanding of both the text itself and the messages it is trying to apply to reality. By connecting texts with their historical contexts, I have learned to appreciate the ways in which literature can both reflect and shape the world around us. I have come to appreciate the relevance and importance of literature in understanding the complexities of our world, and the ways in which it can help us to navigate and engage with these complexities.
What stood out to me at the beginning of Antigone was the parallel fight between Ismene vs. Antigone and Isma vs. Aneeka. Ismene—like Isma—took the logical stance of conservative protection, opting to sacrifice a proper burial of her already dead brother for the safety of the two living sisters. Both Ismene and Isma sacrifice a level of their integrity for the larger picture, knowing they would like to fulfill their religious obligation to bury their brother as they are supposed to. But at the same time, knowing that adherence to their beliefs would be detrimental to their lives. They both choose to look towards the future and what their—and Antigone/Aneeka's—lives could hold if they do the socially expected outcome of not properly burying their brother. They choose to avoid conflict in the name of safety. Whereas both Antigone and Aneeks cannot continue their lives if they sacrifice their integrity to abide by social pressures. Both of their lives are so dependent on faith and fa...
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ReplyDeleteHi Noah! I too learned the importance of connecting literature with historical contexts. Our research excursions helped me understand events and characters of the novels by exploring the contexts that influenced them. It's crazy to see how fiction can reflect and shape the world we live in!
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