15 March 2014

Literature. It can be a snooty word.

Especially when it's pronounced LIT-tra-chuh (check out the first pronunciation here). 

But what is literature? And does our next book, Homeland by R.A. Salvatore, fit the bill?


That's what we'll be discussing (that, and the plot, characters, themes, and symbolism of Homeland—as well as its relationship to King Lear), at our next meeting on April 1st.

Yes, really. It's April Fool's Day, but this is not a prank. We will be meeting. For reals.

To make sure you're prepared for the discussion, you'll need to do two things. 


Okay, three, if you count reading the book, but that's a given.


ONE: COME TO GROUP WITH YOUR OWN DEFINITION OF "LITERATURE"


Feel free to research it and see what other people think on the subject before you pen your description, but ultimately, try to come up with your own solid explanation of what is, and what isn't, literature—including whether or not our current title qualifies.

Here are some points you might want to consider:
  1. Are there particular genres of writing that cannot be considered literature? 
  2. Can works of non-fiction be literature? What about poetry or biographies?
  3. Can a title be classified as literature immediately upon publication, or does it have to be around for a while to earn the distinction?  

TWO: ENGAGE IN A BIT OF ANALYSIS


Come to group with two* of the following ready to go:

  • a theme from Homeland, and what the author seems to be saying about that theme
  • a symbol you noticed and how it is used
  • a motif from the book and what purpose you think it serves
  • a discussion question to ask the group
  • a quote you found particularly interesting, meaningful, or puzzling

*You can use two different items (a theme and a symbol, a discussion question and a quote), or two of any one item (two themes, two symbols, two questions) to satisfy this requirement.

All right. Happy reading! See you on April 1st. Really.

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