Literature

“World literature” is a term often referred to in academic settings to include writing from around the world and from different times that may feature varied perspectives based on these factors. However, in a time of high-speed internet and global interconnections and interdependencies, what does this term actually mean? For instance, does it refer to literature from different parts of the world, or from different “worlds”, or from different worldly perspectives? What is generally meant by the term "literature" and what should it mean?

Also, with such an emphasis on “literature” in a written form (often translated into English) and with the usual exclusion of more traditional storytelling mean such as oral stories, does the concept of world literature in any way actually represent the “world” and different forms of literature and storytelling?

Though Bronte's novel tends to be regarded as one of the greatest romance novels, which is true in relation to the style of the romantic writers who focused on aspects of nature, while less attention is given to the racial aspects, prevalent throughout the novel. Heathcliff is constantly referred to as dark skinned, a moor, gypsy, and an irregular black man. During the period in which the novel is set, Mr. Earnshaw makes a trip to Liverpool, one of the largest slave trading areas in Britain, and arrives home with Heathcliff. He tells his children that he found "it" in the streets and did not know to whom he belonged.His lineage is unknown, and even his name is bestowed upon him by Mr. Earnshaw. His description connotes him as an "other," due to his dark skin, babbled language, and eyes as black as night. Most people overlook the issues of race in the novel, and even when reviewing the numerous film adaptations, not until 2011, was Heathcliff depicted as a black man. Is there plausibility to this theory? Was Heathcliff a slave purchased by Mr. Earnshaw? Or, could Heathcliff have possibly been a child of Mr. Earnshaw, of mixed race, whom he could not admit as his familial bond?

Analyze William Shakespeare's various constructions of gender through his plays and/or sonnets and explore the significance of gender identity in his works. For example, in King Lear Shakespeare’s construction of gender emphasizes the multiple family betrayals and the humankind’s constant committal of sin. In many of his plays, Shakespeare plays around with gender identity and sexuality…why does he do this and what are the underlying themes/ points he makes through his constructions of gender?

The recent short story collection, "Bad Feminist", was a gigantic success and put feminism in the media spotlight again. And to me, this was an important step in mending the image crisis of feminism. The author doesn't pretend she has the answer for every feminist quandary, such as not wanting the guy to pay for dinner but still being a little disappointed when he doesn't. I think it'd be fascinating to analyze the rise of these Bad Feminist who, while not knowing the solutions to every problem, still recognize there is one and want to help change it.

This topic would need to illustrate how revenge is a thematic pattern in Titus Andronicus. In what ways do we see revenge continue on with its role? What literary devices help people understand that revenge is the concept/theme in the play? The topic can focus on Titus and Tamora being revengeful towards each other, and then give examples as to how revenge just turns into a pattern with no positive outcome.

There are more and more books featuring LGBTQIA character, however, they almost always focus on this which perpetuates the "strangeness" of being LGBTQIA. What are some good books featuring these characters with a different focus for the story? A romance between two females that isn't shocked by their lesbianism? An adventure story featuring against the backdrop of the gender spectrum? Etc.

Teens these days seem to be extremely addicted to fantasy novels. Whether it involves a boy who discovers his magical powers, or a girl who has to choose between a wearwolf or a vampire, these novels tend to be best sellers. Is it because the reader wants to escape their reality for an hour? Or because they want to imagine that this type of world could exist?

So many of our "modern" fairytales are retellings of the old (Hans Christian Anderson, the Brothers Grimm), but why is that? Can movies like Frozen be considered modern fairytales?