Jean-Paul Sartre was a colossal figure in 20th-century philosophy and literature. As a playwright, novelist, and political activist, Sartre’s multifaceted career spanned numerous disciplines and challenged conventional thought on the nature of existence. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we explore his life, his literary and philosophical style, and just a few of his most notable works.
Read MoreHaruki Murakami, a Japanese writer whose work has garnered a global following, stands as one of the most influential and mysterious authors of contemporary literature. His novels, characterized by a blend of surrealism, melancholy, and profound humanism, invite readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we explore Murakami’s life, his unique approach to style, and his most notable works.
Read MoreVladimir Nabokov’s writings are a testament to the boundless possibilities of language, narrative, and imagination. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we explore three facets of Nabokov's persona: his life, his stylistic qualities, and his most notable works.
Read MoreErnest Hemingway was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. In this week’s Literary Spotlight, we learn why Hemingway, a man known for his adventurous spirit and deceptively simple writing style, continues to be a source of intrigue for readers and writers alike.
Read MoreSylvia 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreHere’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.
Read MoreFranz 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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