Category · 29 questions
Literature
Canon, censorship, who gets published, who gets read.
In this section
29 entriesAre e-readers better than printed books?
Books are constantly evolving. In the 21st century, we no longer read from a page, but read from a glass screen that can hold hundreds or thousands of texts. E-readers have revolutionised the way people read, and for many have made it much more accessible. But how does it weigh up to the traditional paperback?
Are paper books disappearing?
Digital books, e-books, kindles, e-readers, and digital publication and distribution is changing the book business and the way we consume books. But does the digital revolution mean the end of paper books?
Are Stephen King's novels sexist?
Stephen King is one of the world's top-paid authors, with over sixty published books and even more films and TV shows based upon these novels. The way he portrays women in these books, unfortunately, is not always the best. Women are constantly subject to abuse, fantasy, and objectification. Are Stephen King's novels sexist, or not?
Are young adult novels worth reading?
Coined in the 1960s, young adult fiction was originally marketed at 12-18-year-olds to fill the gap between children's literature and adult literature. However, over half of young adult readers are actually adults. Should adults be embarrassed to read young adult novels, or are they worth reading?
Do people respond differently to audiobooks and real books?
More and more people are listening to books rather than reading them, but how do the two experiences compare? Do people retain the same amount from audiobooks? Is one format easier to get into than the other? How do the different formats affect the experience of the book? Does the format change the way the book is interpreted?
Does "Lolita" glorify pedophilia?
Does Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita endorse the predation it depicts, or expose and condemn it? This entry maps the literary debate, setting out the positions that Lolita does not glorify paedophilia, and that it does.
How do we think about African-American literature?
African-American literature is a body of literature made in the US by Americans of African descent. Because of how African-Americans were integrated into the founding of the US, African-American writing is often concerned with racism, oppression, and struggles for freedom. At the same time, should such literature always be concerned with political advocacy, or should Black writers and artists focus on art for art’s sake? How do writers and readers think about African-American literature?
How should we think about interpreting literature?
In the world of literary criticism, there are many theories about the correct way to interpret literature. Some critics argue that the text alone determines a work's meaning, while others pay more attention to factors like historical context or the reader's experience. Scholars also practice other methods of literary criticism influenced by feminist, Marxist, or psychoanalytic theories, to name a few. So, what are the various theories about interpreting literature?
In 'Lord of the Flies', is Jack evil?
In Nobel Prize-winner William Golding’s 1954 dystopian novel Lord of the Flies, a group of British schoolboys are stranded on an deserted island and are left to govern themselves. This ill-fated attempt to battle through civilization, morality, and order led to extreme bloodlust, violence, and savagery amongst the group of boys. Jack Merridew, the power-loving antagonist of the story is obsessed with dominance over the group since the beginning of the novel. But despite Jack’s antagonistic nature and selfishness, he may not be malicious.
Is Hamlet insane?
Is Hamlet truly mad, or only feigning it? This entry sets out the two positions on Shakespeare's prince — that Hamlet is insane, and that his 'antic disposition' is a deliberate performance.
Is Medusa a victim or villain?
Medusa is a famous figure in Greek mythology, often portrayed as a villain in most media. Her story, however, is much more complex than many are led to believe. Is Medusa really a villain, or is she a victim of her circumstances?
Is Moby-Dick worth reading?
"Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale" is is often touted as one of the greatest novels of all time, or at the very least, one of the greatest American novels. "Moby-Dick" is thought to be both revolutionary in its scale and scope, while also being a celebration of literature's past. At the same time, the novel finds critics in its verbose and seemingly pointless meanderings on whales and whaling. Is "Moby-Dick" truly worth reading?
Should art and literature be moralizing?
Should art and literature carry a moral message, or is that not their job? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that art and literature should be moralising, and that they should not.
Should books be adapted into movies?
We’ve seen many of our favourite stories rise to the silver screen. From childhood favourites like Harry Potter to remakes of classics like Little Women, many books have been adapted into screenplays and made into movies. The big dilemma: read the book, or watch the movie? Should the movie adaptation even exist at all?
Should comics be political?
Since their creation in June of 1938, comic books have unified fans hoping to see super-powered good prevail over evil. Comics as a medium have lasted through numerous international conflicts, from World War II to the War on Terror. During each one of these conflicts, the question of politics' role in comic books has been posed. Political comics are those which try to comment on or influence how a country is governed. Should comics, which routinely explore the extraordinary, comment on the ordinary? Or, should comics concern themselves with fictional politics at most and no politics at the least?
Should fairytales be retold for the changing times?
Various social movements in the last centuries have shifted society in many ways, whereas fairy tales have stayed within the same narratives. Should fairytales be retold to reflect modern values?
Should Harry Potter be "canceled" because of J.K. Rowling's transphobic statements?
Prolific writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has gained infamy in recent weeks for her Twitter statements on transgender issues. Amidst a cultural debate about “cancellation,” this has been brought to the forefront. Should the Harry Potter series be disregarded as a response to its authorial bias?
Should tablets replace textbooks?
As classrooms grow more digital, should tablets take the place of printed textbooks? This entry maps the positions on the question — that tablets should replace textbooks, that they should not, and that they should be an optional alternative.
Was Charles Dickens a social progressive?
The Victorian novelist Charles Dickens was in many ways an important social reformer. However, he also bought into many prejudices typical of his era, including anti-Semitism and racism, which are evident in several of his books. So, was Dickens a social progressive in bringing working-class issues to light in his writing, or did he allow his prejudice - typical of his era - to outweigh this?
What are the themes in Of Mice and Men?
John Steinbeck's timeless novel, Of Mice and Men, is a piece of literature that many teens encounter in high school. It explores the story of two migrant workers during the Great Depression. What are the central themes of the novel?
What are the themes of The Catcher in the Rye?
J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye is a well-known coming of age story. It has also caused controversy because of its sexual content and use of profanity. What are the themes of The Catcher in the Rye, and how does the main character, Holden Caulfield, react to the world around him?
What are the themes of The Great Gatsby?
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is a set in New York City during the 1920s: a time of youth, wealth, and prohibition. There are several timeless themes such as love, wealth, and death. Other themes are more specific to the era like the materialism of the Roaring Twenties and social class.
What constitutes Modernism in literature?
In the 19th to early 20th century, Modernism heralded a radical transformation of culture. With its renewed outlook of a post-industrial, post-WW1 society, past beliefs and styles were rejected in favor of the ‘new’. Literary Modernism is characterized by innovative literary techniques such as stream of consciousness, interior monologue, and multiple viewpoints, which reflect an interest in psychology and human nature. Despite its prominence, the movement is notoriously hard to define. So, what elements make up Modernist literature?
What did Snape mean by 'Always' when speaking to Dumbledor in 'Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows'?
When Dumbldore tells Snape to give Harry the sword of Gryffindor, he tells Snape to make sure he is not seen doing this, so Snape uses his Patrollum, a silver doe, to guide Harry to the sword in the frozen lake. Exchange: "What I'm saying is I have lied for you, I have spied for you, I have put my self in mortal danger to protect the boy! And now you tell me you've been raising him like a pig for slaughter -" Said Snape. "Have you come to care for the boy after all?" said Dumbledore. "Expecto Patronum!" Said Snape waving his wand in the air and a silver doe leaped around the room then out the window. "All this time?" said Dumbledore looking at Snape. Snape had tears in his eyes. "Always." said Snape. --- What he meant by 'Always'...What did he always do? Was he always watching over him or something? What does this mean?
What is Brave New World about?
What is Aldous Huxley's Brave New World really about? This entry maps the readings of the dystopian novel — the use of technology to control society, the consumer society, the clash of happiness and truth, and the dangers of an all-powerful state.
What is the best book in The Hunger Games trilogy?
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is an iconic example of dystopian fiction. Having sold over 65 million copies, the trilogy is undeniably popular among young adult readers. So, which installment of the series is the best?
Where is the best place to read?
The only thing that can make a good book better is the perfect place to read it. Is a book best enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, or in a public library? Perhaps it's best to read outside, in a cafe or on public transport? What are the pros and cons of each?
Which books should you read while self-isolating from coronavirus?
Books can be life-changing. They can be a form of escapism that give a unique perspective into lives, times, places and ideas we will never experience ourselves. Or, a way of learning new ways of thinking, being and approaching the world. With all this time now spare, what are the key texts we should be reading?
Why do women write under men’s names?
Why have so many women writers published under men's names? This entry maps the explanations — to be read without prejudice, to write more freely, and to attract a male readership for their work.