English 100

Other Readings and Media

Symons, A.J.A.: The Quest for Corvo; Faulkner, W.: Absalom, Absalom; Ambler, E.: A Coffin for Dimitrios; Welles, O.: Citizen Kane (film to be viewed in a special class session); Wolf, C.: The Quest for Christa T.; Byatt, A.S.: Possession; Roth, P.: American Pastoral

Description

Something about someone dead catches the attention of someone living. The person still living knows enough about the dead person to come to feel an urgent interest in the dead person�s story, but not enough to know why the story is so urgent. So the living person becomes an investigator, sifting through musty archives, anonymous legends and imperfect memories. The story of the investigator is as important as the story of the investigated: whence the interest? how does the investigation determine its own outcome? what does the investigation have to do with broader histories? Two ten-page essays will be required, along with regular attendance and participation.