Weekly Literary Spotlight: Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath, a poet whose name evokes both admiration and sorrow, left an enduring impact on the evolution of modern literature. Born on October 27, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, Plath's life was marked by brilliance, but also by inner turmoil and profound despair. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we examine Sylvia Plath’s anguished life, her literary style, and just a few of her most notable works.

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Izzy Tanashian
A History of Literary Criticism

I thought it might be informative to present a summary of literary criticism in the American academy and explain how these ideas came to define our current political climate. In short, here’s my take on how we started, how it went, and how we got here. 

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Liza Libes
Weekly Literary Spotlight: Albert Camus

A French philosopher, author, and journalist, Albert Camus is best known for his existentialist works that explore the absurdity of human existence. Born on November 7, 1913, in Mondovi, Algeria, Camus's life was marked by a constant search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. His unique literary style and profound philosophical insights have left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature.

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Izzy Tanashian
Weekly Literary Spotlight: Edgar Allan Poe

Here’s an idea: let’s continue our investigation of some of the most angst-ridden authors in history! For a great majority of us, the mention of Edgar Allan Poe immediately evokes images of macabre tales, haunting poetry, and a life shrouded in mystery. Born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts, Poe's tumultuous life and unparalleled literary contributions have cemented his legacy as one of the foremost figures in American literature. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we explore his sorrow-filled life, his stylistic characteristics, and his most notable literary contributions.

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Izzy Tanashian
Weekly Literary Spotlight: Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka, the enigmatic figure of 20th-century literature, has long fascinated readers with his haunting narratives and profound insights into the human condition. His life, marked by personal struggles and existential angst, deeply influenced his unique literary style, which is characterized by surrealism, absurdity, and a lingering sense of alienation. In this post, we delve into the multifaceted persona of Kafka, exploring his life, discussing his idiosyncratic style, and highlighting some of his most notable works that continue to captivate readers around the world.

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Izzy Tanashian