The American Novel Since 1945 - Introduction and Major Themes

Overview

Explore the inaugural lecture of Yale University's "The American Novel Since 1945" course, delving into key themes and academic expectations. Examine contrasting perspectives on literary competence through a James Joyce advertisement and Vladimir Nabokov's essay. Investigate the interplay between emotional appeal and artistic judgment in post-1945 literature. Analyze the controversies surrounding Richard Wright's "Black Boy" to understand the complex relationship between truth, memory, and autobiography in literature. Gain insights into major course themes and prepare for an in-depth study of post-war American novels.

Syllabus

- Chapter 1. Introduction: Major Themes
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- Chapter 2. Course Requirements
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- Chapter 3. How To Read: On Joyce and Nabokov
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- Chapter 4. Introduction to Richard Wright's "Black Boy": Autobiography and Editorial Influence
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- Chapter 5. Conclusions: "Black Boy" and Major Course Themes
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