Alice Munro IOC 2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzpD1Rg_bKCsR1VIUXhlTDFCX2s/view?usp=sharing

Alice Munro IOC

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzpD1Rg_bKCsbGExVXk5UnBOdmM/view?usp=sharing

Last First 4 lessons Reflection

What is the purpose and benefit of the study of literature? 

I believe that the purpose of studying literature is to offer students a new perspective on literature, a deeper insight on the study as a whole and to allow them to input their perspectives in order to build an analytical perspective in students as they discover more about the world in the lens of writers, which in return benefits them by making room for a bigger and a better idea of the world.

What is women’s literature and what is the value in studying it? 

Women’s literature is a genre of literature that is written by women and it is generally written for or targeted at women since it provides a feminine perspective but women’s literature can also be found relatable by men. The value in studying women’s literature is again very similar to the values of studying literature in general. However because male authors are generally the norm, looking at women’s literature from an analytical standpoint is very valuable since the female gender are able to engage more and the males can definitely learn something new from a different perspective.

Why were the themes and values of Munro’s social realism so significant during the 1950s-1980s? 

The theme and values of Alice Munro’s stories is very significant to her audiences back then since back then, people within the same community pretty much share the same values and principles. In other words, life was simple (not necessarily easier) and writing about the any aspect of life is very significant and definitely something readers would engage with. 

Although she does not identify as a feminist writer, how has Munro’s work contributed to gender equality? 

Having established herself as a renowned female writer, Munro has paved the way for other feminists out there during her peak. Referring back to the previous question, her work as a writer contributes to the feminist movements going on in the 50s-80s although it might not have been the author’s intention

What do you enjoy most about the content of Munro’s work and what impact has it had on you?

For the most part, Munro’s short stories have shown a great insight on her values as writer and her ideologies. Her stories impact me almost indirectly since I often find it hard to focus less on the plot and engage more with the protagonists of the stories. So, I find myself relating the stories to people I know might relate to the stories better than I do. As a whole, yes her stories opened up my perspectives on some of the themes she discussed but that’s just about it. Maybe after a more thorough analysis of the stories, learning more about the author in class and reading them over, I might have a better understanding on its impacts and have more to say in terms of its influence.