A presentation that compares themes and depictions of LGBT characters and lives during the early-to-mid 20th century.’
This presentation advocates for the viability of literature as a tool for historical enquiry. That is, ‘LGBT literature’ can offer insight regarding the norms, practices, and experiences of LGBT characters and authors in their particular historical and cultural context. In order to do this, the ‘death of the author’ literary critique pioneered by Roland Barthes must be dealt with. By briefly outlining the origins of Postmodern literary critique, this approach to literature may be exposed as inherently homophobic, and an approach that espouses historical inquiry with literary analysis is espoused. Novels discussed are: The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal, James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room, Quatrefoil by James Barr, and The Charioteer by Mary Renault.
Andrew Herm appearing at:
OUTing the Past: Coventry Sat. 4th February 2017
OUTing the Past: Bournemouth Sat. 18th February 2017
OUTing the Past: Liverpool Sat. 25th February 2017