Nathaniel Hawthorne is examined.

“My Kinsman, Major Molineux” has been read as a fable of the relations between youth and age, between America and England. What elements of such a fable are evident in the tale? What aspects of the tale do not seem to fit such a reading?

Herman Melville is discussed.

What do you think of the narrator, Ishmael? Describe his character – is he reliable? What do we learn about him?

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is briefly mentioned.

Why does Celie’s husband marry her?

Poetic Imagery and Political Realities are discussed.

During this period poets focused heavily on imagery in their poems. A school of poetry exists called “Imagism,” which put much emphasis on the importance of extremely clear imagery in poetry. How do the images used by poets from this period relate to the larger political realities of the period?

The Color Purple is briefly examined.

This posting cites five pairs in conflict.