Readings in Fiction: Politics and the Novel

3 Credits.

In 2011 Guardian columnist Zoe Williams published "Should We Ditch Fiction in Times of Crisis?" Williams' subtitle summarized her argument: "When our daily news is apocalyptic, it's irresponsible to read made-up stories.” Fourteen years later the world is as mired in crisis as ever and Williams’ question is no less provoking to consider, as are the other questions it raises. What business does the novel have tackling politics? What business does the novel have not tackling politics? What do we even mean by ‘politics’? In this course we’ll think about the relationship of the novel to politics, and the category of the ‘political novel:’ is it a novel about the political process? A novel with a discernible political or ideological posture? A novel about the impact of politics on personal lives? All of the above and more? We’ll read approximately 6 novels, some of which will be imposed autocratically, and some of which will be chosen democratically. Readings may include such novels as:JamesThe Plot Against AmericaHome FireThe Handmaid’s TaleThe Line of BeautyFlight Behavior1984All the King’s MenRagtimeThe SelloutThe Book of Laughter and ForgettingThe Reluctant FundamentalistLost Children ArchiveThe Abbess of CreweEat the Document