Discussion 4A: Social Commentary

This week, we are delving into how authors use their literary works as social commentary. This can be a general commentary related to what is going on in society such as in Frankenstein; as a means to enact change such as in The Jungle; or as telling of an experience, such as in Persepolis. 

Initial Response

Choose one of the three works used as examples in Module 4 course content (Frankenstein, The Jungle, or Persepolis). Although I am not opposed to you choosing a different work outside of these, I think these three are good representations of three different types of literary criticisms. I provided videos and/or excerpts of each of these works in the course content area of the course. You are welcome to use this excerpt or find another one online (they are easy to find). I do not expect you to read the entire work although you are welcome to!

In your initial response, answer the following:

What literary work did you choose and who is the author?

Provide a brief 2-3 sentence summary of the work in your own words. 

Why is this work considered a social commentary/literary criticism? 

Give at least three examples of literary devices (i.e. theme, symbolism, etc) that support the idea that the author is commenting on. For example, if you chose Frankenstein, the author has many different themes such as the dangers of science, isolation, creation. How does the author convey one of these themes?

Responses to Others

Review two other responses.  How do the authors compare in how they convey their social commentary?