Vocabulary articles are back with a new twist! I want you to practice recognizing allusions. An allusion is a reference in one work to another work. In Western literature, biblical allusions are rampant. Of course, this is due to the cultural history of the West, in Indian literature, references to the Ramayana, a sacred Hindu text, are just as common. And, as the Western canon has grown and grown, works begin reference one another more and more. For example, James Joyce's Ulysses, a candidate for the best modern novel, is modeled after the adventures of Odysseus, and has an entire chapter devoted to the characters debating about Hamlet. From now on, you may replace one of your vocabulary words with an allusion you noticed in an article. If you see another book referenced, look it up and tell me what you learned.
Here are your reading choices. Remember, you only need to read one article of your choice. New vocabulary words are due Friday, October 28. You may turn them in in class or email them to msdame3@gmail.com
The Catch in Catch-22
Joseph Heller's satire Catch-22 was a sensation when it came out, and gave us the phrase "catch-22." This article considers the book on its 50th anniversary. The original Catch-22 was that only insane people could be discharged form the army, but anyone who applied for discharge was obviously sane. It is now used for any situation in which a supposed option obviates itself. (Yes, you can use obviate as one of your vocabulary words.)
Elizabeth and Hazel
A review of a book that follows up on the lives of two women in a famous photograph that scandalized the nation. Take a look at the photo! Can any good come out of a conversation between these women?
Paris Review Interview: Ray Bradbury
The Paris Review has a deep archive of excellent interviews with authors on their craft. This one is with Ray Bradbury, perhaps best known among high-schoolers as the author of Fahrenheit 451. If you choose this article, look up some of his allusions!
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