Approaches to Teaching the Works of David Foster Wallace: 156 (Approaches to Teaching World Literature) - Hardcover

Stephen J. Burn (editor) & Mary K. Holland (editor)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1603294643 ISBN 13: 9781603294645

Publisher: Modern Language Association, 2019

Synopsis

David Foster Wallace's works engaged with his literary moment--roughly summarized as postmodernism--and with the author's historical context. From the famous Complexity of novels such as Infinite Jest to the direct critique of American culture in his essays, his works have at their core basic themes, such as self-understanding, connecting with others, ethical behavior, and finding meaning. The essays in this volume suggest ways to elucidate Wallace's philosophical and literary preoccupations as students continue to contend with urgent issues, both personal and political, through reading literature.

Part 1, "Materials," offers guidance on editions of Wallace's works and critical responses to them. The essays in part 2, "Approaches," discuss teaching key works and genres in high schools, first-year undergraduate writing classes, American literature surveys, and world literature classes. They examine Wallace's social and philosophical contexts and contributions, treating topics such as gender, literary ethics, and the culture of writing programs.

About this title

Review

"This is a wonderful book that will appeal to teachers at all educational levels. It offers a great deal both to newcomers to Wallace and to readers familiar with his work."Kasia Boddy, Cambridge University

Edition details

• Publisher: Modern Language Association
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1603294643
• ISBN 13: 9781603294645
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 205