Symbolism and Language Within The Handmaid’s Tale and its Relevance to Literary Scholarship
Location
Science Center, A254
Document Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-27-2012 4:00 PM
End Date
4-27-2012 5:00 PM
Abstract
The face of literary scholarship is changing as the divide between what is considered a “popular novel” and “high literature” continues to narrow. In this project, I consider Margaret Atwood’s popular yet critically acclaimed dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. With its innovative manipulation of language and symbolism, The Handmaid’s Tale is a prime candidate for serious literary criticism. Because the novel challenges traditional methods of analysis, its study can be looked upon as a model for the future of literary scholarship.
Recommended Citation
Brahn, Brittany, "Symbolism and Language Within The Handmaid’s Tale and its Relevance to Literary Scholarship" (04/27/12). Senior Symposium. 4.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/seniorsymp/2012/presentations/4
Major
Creative Writing; English
Advisor(s)
Sylvia Watanabe, Creative Writing
William Patrick Day, English
Project Mentor(s)
T.S. McMillin, English
April 2012
Symbolism and Language Within The Handmaid’s Tale and its Relevance to Literary Scholarship
Science Center, A254
The face of literary scholarship is changing as the divide between what is considered a “popular novel” and “high literature” continues to narrow. In this project, I consider Margaret Atwood’s popular yet critically acclaimed dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. With its innovative manipulation of language and symbolism, The Handmaid’s Tale is a prime candidate for serious literary criticism. Because the novel challenges traditional methods of analysis, its study can be looked upon as a model for the future of literary scholarship.
Notes
Session III, Panel 3: Historical Frequencies of Gender, Literature, and Subjectivity
Moderator: Sandra Zagarell, Professor of English