Annotated Bibliography
Barthes, Roland. Mythologies, translated by Richard Howard/Annette Lavers of Part II, Myth Today (1972); Hill and Wang, A division of Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, The Complete Edition, in a New Translation Paperback – March 12, 2013.
Mythologies by Roland Barthes is a captivating exploration of contemporary culture originally written in French and published in 1957. The book is a collection of essays that examine the hidden meanings and symbols embedded in everyday cultural artifacts, ranging from phrases with meaning, images, objects, advertisements, and films to popular magazines and wrestling matches. The collection was originally written as a bi-monthly series of essays from the French magazine, “Les Lettres Nouvelles.”
Barthes was a French literary theorist, essayist, philosopher, critic, and semiotician influenced by Michael Foucault and Jacques Derrida. His work analyzed various sign systems, mainly derived from Western popular culture. In Mythologies, Barthes employs a critical and analytical lens to dissect the underpinnings of contemporary French society, revealing how these seemingly innocuous elements contribute to creating myths that shape collective consciousness. In the book, Barthes explains myths and associates them with manipulations, describing them as fabrications of consumer society. He points out where they appear in society to open our eyes to manipulations and teach us how to avoid them. Barthes argues that the myths must be carefully deciphered and debunked.
Annette Lavers and Richard Howard completed the English translation of the book in 1972 to provide an insightful and groundbreaking approach available to a wider audience. His work continues to inspire critical thinking and innovative perspectives in academia and beyond.
Clark, Robert C. “Keeping the Reader in the House: American Minimalism, Literary Impressionism, and Raymond Carver’s ‘Cathedral.’” Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 36, no. 1, 2012, pp. 104–18. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2979/jmodelite.36.1.104. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023
This essay explores how the writing of Raymond Carver, one of the most famous authors of American Minimalism, has been influenced by Literary Impressionism. It explores his most celebrated short story, “Cathedral,” and its connection involving both American Minimalism and Literary Impressionism. Minimalism is thought to have originated after 1950, though there is evidence it goes as far back as the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although Carver admires the works of Hemingway and Chekov, it is argued that he is only a minimalist writer for a small period of time. Carver’s editor, Gordon Lish, is thought to have been the reason for Carver being placed in the minimalist category due to his affinity for removing anything unnecessary in Carver’s work, stripping it down to the bare minimum. This influence over Carver’s work eventually disappears, and what is seen thereafter showcases his actual writing style. Although it bares saying that while Carver’s stories become more substantial, they still carry the basic principles of American Minimalism. For example, Carver has a way of communicating the many banal events with reportorial detachment without giving any reason for why it’s being reported. This demands the reader has an enhanced level of awareness and ability to interpret the meaning of the text.
Crooks, Robert, et al. Our Sexuality Revised ed., Cengage Learning, 2021.
Our Sexuality is a textbook that is centered around the topic of human sexuality. The textbook is used nationwide across various universities and academic institutions. The primary focus of the content is on relationships, attractions, and sexual and gender identity. The content of the textbook is consistently updated and revised in order to give the readers access to up-to-date information and psychological research. In addition, the textbook is the first textbook to discuss the impact of politics on sexuality and introduce that discussion to the classroom. With an objective point of view and no bias, the textbook explores the psychology behind human sexuality and touches on certain topics which can be perceived as sensitive in modern society such as STIs. It examines human sexuality through the lens of other cultures and crosses the boundaries between them, offering significant insight that transcends bias. With the aim to increase the readers’ self-awareness when it comes to their sexuality and the sexuality of others, Our Sexuality offers an excellent analysis of certain sensitive topics that can give help and guidance to those in need. Furthermore, the text touches on all aspects which are affected by sexuality and aims to educate how sexuality is intertwined in these areas of our lives.
Cummins, Anthony. “Anthony Doerr: ‘Rather than Write What I Know, I Write What I Want to Know.’” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 18 Sept. 2021, www.theguardian.com/books/2021/sep/18/anthony-doerr-rather-than-write-what-i-know-i-write-what-i-want-to-know.
The article “Anthony Doerr: ‘Rather than write what I know, I write what I want to know'” by The Guardian explores the creative process and motivations of award-winning author Anthony Doerr. Through an interview, Doerr discusses his approach to writing, showing how he emphasizes exploring topics and worlds beyond his immediate experience. Rather than sticking to the old adage of “write what you know,” Doerr finds inspiration in writing about subjects he’s curious about, delving into extensive research to capture the essence of unfamiliar territories and characters. He further reflects on the importance of curiosity and imagination in crafting his compelling narratives, drawing on his own experiences of exploration and discovery. The article offers readers a glimpse into the mind of a Doerr and shows the power of storytelling driven by a thirst for knowledge.
This article shows how “River Run” was influenced by Doerr’s love for creating compelling narratives with a sense of the unfamiliar, curiosity, and imagination. Mulligan’s fishing spot is disturbed by the bearded man and his wife. The bearded man is only described by his features and actions, but is never named. In this way, Doerr shows an air of mystery about the characters that are in this novel, highlighting how the mysterious and unfamiliar can create different narratives in the story.
Cutchins, Dennis. “Elitism, Keeping Secrets, and Fly Fishing in Utah.” Western Folklore, vol. 63, no. 1/2, 2004, pp. 189–202. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25474672. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
“Elitism, Keeping Secrets, and Fly Fishing in Utah” is an article written by Dennis Cutchins details the culture surrounding fly-fishing in Utah. The article involves interviews with several fly-fishers, allowing for personal accounts of the sport. Specifically, the article explores the exclusive nature of fly-fishing, and how those involved in it tend to be rather closed off and secretive regarding fly-fishing. Secrets are commonly kept within the fly-fishing community, including things related to bait, technique, and especially location. There is also brief discussion of how fly-fishing tends to be a male dominated field, and that the act of fly-fishing is something generally shared between male family members.
The article goes on to show how there is an unspoken ethical code surrounding fly-fishing, that most men interviewed seemed to be aware of. Many within the fly-fishing community find there to be a strong emphasis on truly appreciating your surroundings and being able to learn for yourself, and this is cited as a large reason for secret keeping. There is also commentary on how the act of catching fish itself is somewhat secondary to those truly involved in fly-fishing, and that the entire process itself is the reason for the sport. This article allows for deeper insight into the fly-fishing culture, the standards they uphold, and they way those within the community function.
Danarko, Egie. “Gender Narratives in Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See: Women in an American War Literature.” Sastra Inggris – Quill, journal.student.uny.ac.id/ojs/index.php/quill/article/view/6833. Accessed 5 May 2024.
In the article, “Gender Narratives in Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See: Women in An American War Literature,” by Egie Danarko with research by Dr. Widyastuti Purbani M.A. and Nandy Intan Kurnia, M. Hum, the focus is on exploring the gender narratives present in Anthony Doerr’s novel “All the Light We Cannot See” within the context of war literature. The aim is to demonstrate how female subordination and male domination are depicted in the narrative, utilizing post-structuralist narration and feminist criticism. The researcher employs textual analysis, gathering data from the novel’s words, phrases, and paragraphs that depict or imply gender narratives.
The findings reveal that female characters are portrayed as embodying vulnerability, fear, irrationality, emotional instability, and submissive characteristics, while male characters are depicted with power, bravery, rationality, intellectualism, and heroic behavior. These gender narratives construct a binary gender framework that endorses a patriarchal order and hierarchy.
This ties into the overly loving nature of the girl in the letter in “River Run.” She is so attached to Mulligan that her behavior could be described as, “irrational or emotional instability.” This can also be said of Mulligan’s wife through her way of always being submissive to Mulligan’s attitude.
Dara. “Marxism and Universal Happiness –Can It Ever Be Achieved?” Issuu, from Plato & Co – Happiness & Knowledge by North London Collegiate School, 2 Feb. 2023, issuu.com/nlcs1850/docs/plato_co_-_happiness_and_knowledge/s/18559126.
This piece is by North London Collegiate School’s author Dara. This piece focuses on Marxism and capitalisms relationship to happiness. The author argues Marx’ idea of a communist utopia and the idea of capitalism only being sustainable through the exploitation of workers against the modern idea of capitalism being beneficial to all with enough effort and regulation. This author’s greater point is Marx’ discussion of the alienation that the working classes experiences in a society where they must toil to support the working class while the workers themselves are degraded and treated as machines. The author argues that communism itself can create alienation and exploitation when it is poorly managed, and their conclusion lends itself back to a more pro-capitalism message in the common argument of how communism open’s holes for different societal flaws to grow.
This article does a wonderful job in summarizing Marx’ ideas and showing the connection they have to modern audiences. The topic of Marxism cannot be thoroughly discussed without having a source that dissects the ideas and connects them to the current reader. Using this source to explain Marxism and the struggle of being a working-class person under capitalism helps to build the analysis of Doerr’s Mulligan as he is a fellow worker in a capitalist society.
Derrida, Jacques. “Writing & Différence,” translated by Alan Bass. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1982.
Jacques Derrida, a French philosopher, is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of Deconstruction. In his book of essays, Writing & Difference, originally published in 1967 and translated by Alan Bass, Derrida presents a collection of writings that serve as a foundational text for understanding the critical lens of Deconstruction. As Derrida conceived, Deconstruction challenges conventional ways of thinking and understanding language, literature, and philosophy. Derrida argues that language is inherently unstable and that words do not possess fixed meanings. Instead, they are characterized by a web of interconnected meanings that depend on context, culture, and historical context. Deconstruction seeks to expose the contradictions, hierarchies, and binary oppositions that underlie texts and ideas.
In Writing & Difference, Derrida explores a wide range of topics, including the nature of language, the relationship between speech and writing, and the implications of Deconstruction for various fields such as literature, philosophy, and structuralism. Through careful analysis and critique of philosophical texts, Derrida demonstrates how Deconstruction can reveal hidden assumptions and contradictions within these texts. Derrida’s work in Writing & Difference has profoundly influenced literary theory, philosophy, and cultural studies. It has opened up new avenues of inquiry by challenging traditional modes of interpretation and inviting readers to engage with texts in a more nuanced and critical manner. Derrida’s ideas continue to shape contemporary discussions about language, meaning, and interpretation, making “Writing and Difference” a seminal work in Deconstruction.
Doerr, Anthony. “River Run.” The Sewanee Review, The Johns Hopkins University Press, vol. 109, no. 3, 2001, pp. 321-330.
“River Run” was written by award-winning author Anthony Doerr. This story was written throughout the time he was in graduate school. One of the key inspirations behind the story was Doerr’s desire to challenge himself when it came to his writing skills and to see if he could provide a detailed backstory in a format rooted in the present.
The story focuses on a retired man named Mulligan. Through vivid imagery, symbolism, and naturalistic descriptions, Doerr depicts Mulligan’s complex emotional state as he confronts suppressed attitudes toward his wife. Caught in between his loyalty towards his wife and the sentimentality he holds for his mistress, Mulligan’s world comes to a crashing halt when he realizes his marriage is now coming to an end. Doerr’s prose continues to enchant and captivate audiences as he gives them insight into the worlds of his many beloved characters.
Doerr, Anthony. “The Hunter’s Wife,” The Atlantic Monthly, May 2001.
“The Hunter’s Wife” is a fictional short story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “All the Light We Cannot See,” Anthony Doerr. The narrative revolves around an outdoorsman from Montana who falls in love with a magician’s assistant who possesses magical abilities to see into dreams and souls of dying animals. Initially published in The Atlantic Monthly’s May 2001 issue, this compelling tale later found its place within a collection of short stories featured in Doerr’s novel, “The Shell Collector.” Published in January 2011, Penguin Books.
Doerr’s “The Hunter’s Wife” can be regarded as a masterclass in descriptive writing. The author skillfully immerses the reader in a world of vivid imagery, utilizing rich language and concrete detail, and employs techniques like personifying landscapes, analogies, and metaphors to evoke a profound sense of place. The author introduces the central character, plot, and setting from the opening sentence. The author’s prose cleverly blends the naturalist’s view with the poet’s gift of metaphor, as nature is central in driving the plot and shaping the dynamic between “The Hunter” and his wife. Doerr breathes life into the setting, portraying it as a living entity that influences the characters’ experiences. The meticulously crafted descriptions of the surroundings paint vivid pictures and propel the plot and action forward, contributing to the story’s depth and resonance.
Anthony Doerr Official Website. href=”https://www.anthonydoerr.com/”>www.anthonydoerr.com/
Anthony Doerr’s Official Website is the authoritative hub for all things literary related to the acclaimed author Anthony Doerr. This comprehensive platform offers readers a wealth of engaging content and up-to-date information. Individuals from diverse entertainment genres, including literature, film, and television, who are keen on discovering more about the author and the experiences that shaped the creation and evolution of his works can explore the following key features:
Interactive Novels Page: The website boasts an interactive page dedicated to six of Anthony Doerr’s celebrated novels. This includes The Shell Collector (2002), About Grace (2004), Memory Wall (2010), Four Seasons in Rome (2007), the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece All the Light We Cannot See (2014), and his latest novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land, (2021) recognized as a Finalist for the National Book Award.
The Author’s Biography is easily accessed and allows visitors to dig into the author’s life through a detailed biography and a color photograph. The Events Calendar: Stay updated on Anthony Doerr’s schedule of appearances and events, including a national tour to promote his latest book, Cloud Cuckoo Land, and includes the latest announcement of the recent release of the Netflix limited series adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See on November 2, 2023, Visitors can also access the official Netflix YouTube trailer for the series directly from the website.
The News Section offers timely information and updates directly from the author, informing readers about the latest developments in Anthony Doerr’s literary world. Additionally, the publication provides a convenient way for readers to contact the author through his publicist and staff, making it easy to get in touch using the contact details provided.
Additionally, the website offers an interactive Q&A section that allows readers to gain deeper insights into the creative process behind Anthony Doerr’s stories. It also proudly displays the numerous awards and accolades that recognize the author’s rich body of work. Anthony Doerr’s Official Website is a comprehensive resource for fans and readers, offering a multifaceted experience that celebrates the author’s literary achievements and provides valuable insights into his creative world. “Doerr’s prose dazzles, his sinewy sentences blending the naturalist’s unswerving gaze with the poet’s gift for metaphor.” The New York Times.
Fabian, Mark. “A psychological-enriched version of Tiberius’ value-fulfillment theory of Wellbeing.” Philosophical Psychology, vol. 35, no. 6, 5 Jan. 2022, pp. 862–886, https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2021.2016678.
This paper is on the idea of fulfillment and the surrounding theories attributed to fulfillment. The author Mark Fabian uses Valerie Tiberius’ value-fulfillment theory as a starting point into the paper, which is sectioned into ideas of self-actualization, social feedback, psychological processes in value-fulfillment, momentary vs whole life perspectives, self-sacrifice, and self-concordance theory. The broad strokes of this paper are that there are intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for work and that work powered solely by one can fall short of satisfying. Whether the extrinsic motivations involve money or societal appreciation, they are still needed to fuel work ethic. The purpose of this paper is not to criticize the original theory of Tiberius’, but to help build it into a more well-developed version of itself by using current psychological studies and ideas.
Fulfillment is a topic that is linked to Marxist criticism as Marxism focuses on happiness and the greater good of humanity. Having a source that can provide psychological structure to that theory is important in analyzing Doerr’s short story and being able to not just discuss the character of Mulligan as a worker but also as a person who needs motivation and support. This allows for there to be deeper exploration of the story.
Gee, Julianne. “Author Anthony Doerr Speaks on His Writing Process, Recent Novels.” The Arbiter, 18 Apr. 2022, arbiteronline.com/2022/04/18/author-anthony-doerr-speaks-on-his-writing-process-recent-novels/.
This piece is from an independent Boise student newspaper titled The Arbiter. This interview is given by Julianne Gee to Anthony Doerr, the Idahoan author that wrote “River Run”. This interview encompasses his writing process and his reasoning behind the choices for character and voice he makes. This interview uses another of his works as a talking point, but the insight into his process is applicable for all his work. Doerr not only discusses the characters he chose for his work, but also discusses his struggle with balancing his joy of art with the necessity it now holds in his life as his career. Doerr also breaches the topic of how art is an amalgamation of experience, with how each piece of media consumed by an artist funnel into their own projects. This struggle with work and joy ties into the idea of a Marxist Analysis of “River Run” and the discussion of character choice helps to add a frame of reference for Doerr’s character Mulligan. Doerr’s ideas of finding relief from his work in small moments mimic the character of Mulligan and the reprieve from his stressors he finds in fishing. These all factor into choosing this source as a valid piece to enhance the analysis of Doerr’s work and push the essay further into credibility.
Goh, Irving. “Introducing Touching Literature: Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.” CR: The New Centennial Review, vol. 19 no. 3, 2019, p. 241-264. Project MUSE muse.jhu.edu/article/747938.
In “Introducing Touching Literature: Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See” by Goh Irving, he describes how the importance of touch extends beyond the physical objects in “All the Light We Cannot See,” shaping the characters’ understanding of their world and guiding their actions in moments of crisis. Referring to the novel, Irving shows how for the character of Werner, fascination with radios is not just about building or repairing them but also about feeling his way through their circuits, allowing his mind to grapple with the complexities of the machinery. Even in the act of listening to transmissions, touch plays a critical role, as Werner scans frequencies by feel, likening it to navigating a mile-long thread until his fingers find a knot.
“River Run,” Another of Anthony Doerr’s novels, has moments where touch is highlighted. When Mulligan is fishing, when his wife is at home making something, and when Mulligan is feeling/holding the letter are moments that stand out. Within the pages of this article, I found that Doerr’s works have clear influence from the sense of touch.
Holmlund, Chris. “Postfeminism from A to G.” Cinema Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, 2005, pp. 116–21. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3661099. Accessed 5 May 2024.
Holmlund defines postfeminism as an attitude, optic, and object. He mentions the history of post-feminism as a cultural movement beginning in the 1980s, he begins to mention the typical issues with intersectionality that women of color or other minorities experience within the feminist movement. Using Jennifer Lopez as a case study, Holmlund discusses how she utilizes her sexuality within a modern society to achieve her goals within the patriarchy. He also mentions how she is able to overcome being a minority within society of the 2000s- and now- to achieve success.
Holmlund examines postfeminism and how it has changed from the 80s, to the 2000s. By using film and female characters as a case study, he examines the role women play in works. He also delves into how the female characters of color are usually sexualized and place into action roles, instead of leading dramatic roles, which I would agree is still the norm today, though less so than in 2005. He also mentions how important optics are to women, and how their outward appearance is often so tied to their perceived societal and self worth. By examining their portrayal in media, Holmlund examines how women are perceived by society as a whole.
Idaho Fish and Game. “Idaho Species Publication,” Idaho Official Government Website https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/32962
Idaho Fish and Game, “Idaho Species Publication” is a helpful report for lepidopterists, ornithologists, hunters, fishermen, and bird-watching enthusiasts, among others, interested in the seasonal migration and native species throughout Idaho’s vast and varied environments. The publication is available online and includes fifty full pages of color photographs, descriptions, and in-depth reports regarding the presence of native and migrated invertebrate species that are native and migratory to Idaho. The reports include Idaho’s classification of Wildlife, Endangered species, County lists, Conservation status taxonomy, Species of greatest conservation need, and shared observations. Research that provides statistics about the variety of species in Idaho’s population and season, presence and regularity, and the Department’s confidence in the information provided. The Department also includes a map showing the designated species’ specific locations. The Department’s information collection is stored in a species database considered the most comprehensive archive of information regarding Idaho’s fish, wildlife, and plant diversity. The information for the program is developed through observations that are contributed by partners in federal, state, tribal, and other non-public and private organizations, consultants, and the general public. This database is managed and maintained by the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information Systems at Idaho Fish and Game.
Kavka, Misha. “Feminism, Ethics, and History, or What Is the ‘Post’ in Postfeminism?” Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, vol. 21, no. 1, 2002, pp. 29–44. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/4149214. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
Kavka begins her piece, Feminism, Ethics, and History, or What Is the ‘Post’ in Postfeminism?, with an overview of feminist history. She references Moi and her crucial works on postfeminist theory, and discusses what she phrases as “race and class based exclusions of the women’s liberation movement”, typical for postfeminist critique. Kavka also discsses varying interpretations of the term “postfeminist”, and the contention that can result. Kavka also discusses the paradox of a society which is in a post-feminist and a post-patriarchal state entirely, and the paradoxical relationship that feminism and patriarchy share.
She discusses the misconception that “postfeminism” as a term implies that feminism is over, and that women have “won”, which is untrue- instead, it is a view of looking at the world while taking race, sexuality, and economic circumstances into account instead of pure gender. She also acknowledges the importance of queer theory in regards to post-feminism, as they often share many of the same overlapping ideals and goals. Kavka also points out that while one can be a moral person and a feminist, being a feminist doesn’t make you an inherently moral person.
Lamarche, Veronica M., and Jonathan J. Rolison. “Hand-in-Hand in the Golden Years: Cognitive Interdependence, Partner Involvement in Retirement Planning, and the Transition into Retirement.” Plos One 16.12 (2021): e0261251. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0261251
In many advanced countries, a larger than normal population is moving into retirement, prompting an exploration into how to smooth over problems often encountered with this major life transition. This article delves into how this shift can be life-changing in positive and sometimes less-than-positive ways. It explores the challenges and stressors faced by these individuals and what elements can contribute to their positive welfare. While most people prepare for their financial security post-retirement, many neglect to consider how their societal and relationship roles will change. Having a romantic partner who is supportive during this time can make this transition easier or more difficult if support is lacking.
The article covers three studies that examine the influence of how much people view themselves as partners in their relationships rather than as individuals and how this shapes the pre-retirement and post-retirement years. This is known as cognitive interdependence. The studies investigate whether partners with greater cognitive interdependence can influence each other pre- and post-retirement, how this affects their well-being, how much easier their transition into retirement may be compared to individuals with less cognitive interdependence, and whether those who involve their partners in the retirement decision making have higher or lower cognitive interdependence.
Landgraf, Greg. “Pride and Diversity at Annual 2015.” American Libraries Magazine, 29 July 2015, americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2015/07/22/pride-and-diversity-at-annual-2015/.
In an interview by Greg Landgraf entitled, “Pride and Diversity at Annual 2015,” Anthony Doerr reflects on the enduring allure of historical fiction, noting that while history examines the broad strokes of human events, storytelling focuses on the individual experiences within those narratives. He is drawn to realized historical fiction because it offers a window into the lives and minds of characters who navigate the currents of the past.
Through skillful storytelling, writers can make history feel tangible, grounding readers in a sensory and seamless experience. For Doerr, the appeal of historical fiction lies in its ability to connect readers with the human experience across different times. Despite living in different eras, fictional characters often undergo emotional processes that resonate with contemporary audiences, fostering a sense of connection with the ghosts of the collective past. Through his characters, he invites the reader to ponder the mysteries of the world and the truths that lie beneath the surface. He encourages aspiring writers to seek inspiration in the things that dazzle them, providing an emphasis on the importance of curiosity and a deep love for the world in crafting compelling narratives.
Lewandowski, Gary W. “The 8 Reasons Why People Cheat | Psychology Today.” The 8 Reasons Why People Cheat, Psychology Today, 22 Mar. 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychology-relationships/202103/the-8-reasons-why-people-cheat.
When the foundation of a romantic relationship has been shaken by infidelity, the first thing people tend to do is look to see what is missing within the relationship to cause the cheating partner to look elsewhere, with a lack of sex or sexual incompatibility often being given as the reason. This article seeks to dispel that assumption by delving into eight of the most common motivators driving people to cheat on their partners and the reasons why. A study was done on 495 individuals who admitted to cheating on their partners. They were given a list of 77 options, asking them why they cheated. The two main driving factors in the affairs pertained to the situation, meaning alcohol or certain stressors most often led to the unfaithful partner choosing to be unfaithful, or there was a break within the primary relationship, meaning there was neglect, a lack of love, lack of commitment or anger. Around half of the affairs involved sex of some kind, with only a small percentage having no physical contact. Also, the motivators behind the infidelity often affected the length of the affairs. The affair relationship rarely resulted in an actual relationship, with only 1 out of 10 continuing past the initial affair, although, surprisingly, only 1 out of 5 of the primary relationships ended due to the affair.
Long, Liza. “Critical Worlds: A Targeted Introduction to Literary Analysis.” Critical Worlds, https://cwi.pressbooks.pub/lit-crit/. Accessed December 8, 2023.
Critical Worlds: A Targeted Approach to Literary Analysis was created for English 211: Literary Analysis, a course at the College of Western Idaho. Written by author, educator, and assistant professor at the college above, Liza Long, this textbook delves into a large variety of critical theories used by scholars in the analysis of literature. Each section explores a different theory, focusing on what target within that particular theory is utilized in its examination of a piece of literature. For examples of what is found within the textbook, here are a few of the critical theories explored by the writers analyzing “River Run:” A New Criticism critical analysis will be targeting the text, insisting that a work of literature should be viewed as a self-contained and self-referential entity; A Psychological Criticism will look at the mind and apply psychological theories to texts, using literature to explore and understand the human psyche; Reader Response focuses on the reader, asking how the implied reader would respond to the text; and Deconstruction which focuses on the gap between one mind and another, insists that meaning is not stable or universal. Deconstruction opens the text to new meanings, examining how the text privileges some meanings over others. Other critical theories include Biographical/ Historical Criticism, New Historicism, Marxist, Postcolonial, Critical Race Theory, Cultural Studies Criticism, Feminist, Post Feminist, Queer Theory, and Ecocriticism. Each chapter briefly touches on the chosen theory, beginning with an introduction, then moves to explore both critical and literary primary texts, has an accompanying video, and ends with an example of how to apply the theory to a primary text.
Mcleod, Saul. “Sigmund Freud Dream Theory.” SimplyPsychology. July 15. 2023.
“Sigmund Freud’s Dream Theory” is an article written by a member of the organization SimplyPsychology, which aims to educate audiences about certain psychological concepts and how to integrate these concepts into their lives. The article is written by Saul Mcleod, an educator and researcher of psychology who received their PhD in psychology from the University of Manchester. Mcleod has over eighteen years of experience in the realm of research and education in the field of psychology. In addition, the article was peer-reviewed by Olivia Guy-Evans and Ioanna Stavraki. Both of whom received education in psychology. The article is split into four sections: Sigmund Freud’s interpretation of dreams, the relationship between latent content and dreams, how the mind removes latent content, and how to analyze dreams through psychoanalysis. Throughout the article, Mcleod offers key concepts and definitions that are defined in ways that make sense to the larger audience. These concepts aim to educate the reader about terms that pertain to the field of psychoanalysis and how they can incorporate these concepts into their own lives. The article offers insight into the birth of Freud’s dream theory and mentions real-life examples of Freud using this form of work on his clients.
Moi, Toril. “Feminism, Postmodernism, and Style: Recent Feminist Criticism in the United States.” Cultural Critique, no. 9, 1988, pp. 3–22. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1354232. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
This piece focuses on the differences between European and American feminist and postfeminist theory, Moi investigates the paradoxes of modern feminism. She examines postfeminist theory and discusses the natural conclusion of a society which has entered an era marked by equality between sexes. She brings up cases of otherness that exist within feminism, such as people of color or Jewish people. In this, we see the typical focus on intersectionality that occurs within postfeminism critique. Moi discusses the patriarchy in modern society, and how it evolves and adapts to respond to modern feminism. Toril is well-known as a founder of post-feminism with her book Sexual/Textual Politics, and in her writings she references many other important women such as Simone de Beauvoir and Mary Wollstonecraft, affirming her vast pool of knowledge to the reader. She coins an idea of “intellectual castration”, which is where women intentionally present themselves as less intelligent to appear non-threatening to men. Moi repeatedly uses phallic imagery and phrasing, bringing to mind earlier psychological criticism- in fact, she herself brings up Freud later in her work, in relation to psychoanalysis- once again, we see an overlap between postfeminism and other schools of literary critique.
Parmentier, Richard J. “Representation, symbol, and semiosis: Signs of a scholarly collaboration.” Signs and Society, vol. 3, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1–7, https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/680470.
Richard Parmentier, in his article titled “Representation, Symbol, and Semiosis Signs of a Scholarly Collaboration,” explains the definitions of symbols and representation throughout history. He breaks down the meaning of symbolism, first the word and then the usage, and explains in detail how a symbol is when one thing is removed and rejoined by something else. He also explains the meaning behind the word “represents” and the many unique ways the word can be used or applied in writing or real-life situations. Knowing Doerr uses a lot of themes and connections of one thing with another, also known as symbolism, Parmentier explains how this is done. The article does not mention anything about the short story “River Run,” but used through a New Critical lens, it can help break down Doerr’s symbolism in a rather effective way by pinpointing what is symbolism and what is just extra description in the scenes. Doerr’s short stories are known to be full of symbols and subtle representations, and knowing exactly what to look for when you are breaking down the meaning or definition of symbolism is highly useful while using the New Critical lens.
Rosdahl, Lyle D. “The Shell Collector (Book).” Library Journal, vol. 127, no. 1, Jan. 2002, p. 156. EBSCOhost, https://web.p.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=04781d62-2d4a-4432-913b-26861107cf12%40redis.
Rosdahl reviews Anthony Doerr’s “The Shell Collector” and explains the intricacy and depth of the stories collected in the book, describing Doerr’s talents and tendencies as an author and pointing out the almost life-like qualities of the characters he writes about in his stories. While this review does not specifically describe or reference Anthony Doerr’s insightful short story “River Run” it does point out the themes of Anthony’s writing such as the intricate plots, poetic language and his many well thought out themes throughout all his stories. Doerr’s writing style is almost whimsical and has an “in-real-life” feeling as one reads his work and can relate to the characters and plots. Rosdahl, using limited language and precise criticism, breaks down Doerr’s collection of short stories, praising him for his talents and story-telling capabilities, such as the language and depth of the characters, plot, and the language and devices interwoven throughout them all. Rosdahl focuses mainly on Doerr’s writing style rather than the stories themselves. He points out the characters and how they seem to come to life while reading the stories, showing how Doerr inflicts real emotions and actions of people into his stories, making them more realistic and relatable to his audience.
Schullery, Paul. “Frontier Fly-Fishing in the New West.” Montana: The Magazine of Western History, vol. 52, no. 2, 2002, pp. 2–9. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4520414. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
“Frontier Fly-Fishing in the New West” is a useful article written by Paul Schullery elaborating on the culture of fly-fishing, specifically in the West. The article aims to explain the significance of fly-fishing and the value put on fly-fishing in the culture. It also offers insight into the ways though ingrained in that culture think, giving a new and interesting perspective into fly-fishing. The article also touches on the way those within the community interact with each other, both with those inside and outside the community, examining how fly-fishing has changed slightly over the years, in part due to tourism. It also explores what makes fly-fishing different in the West compared to other environments, and how fly-fishing has become a staple of Western culture.
This offers a unique perspective into fly-fishing, allowing for more depth on the culture of fly-fishing as a whole and the intricacies involved. From a cultural studies lens, this article provides clear background information on fly-fishing culture, as well as acting as an artifact into the world of fly-fishing. This provides new context when approaching the text, as well as insight into how fly-fishing can affect people involved in the culture and the way they think.
Shelburne, Walter. “Existential Perspective in the Thought of Carl Jung.” Journal of Religion and Health, vol. 22, no. 1, Spring. 1983, pp. 58-73, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27505718
Written by Walter Shelburne, “Existential Perspective in the Thought of Carl Jung” is a journal article that offers an in-depth analysis of Carl Jung and how one’s philosophy might develop through the lens of self-reflection and psychology. The source draws from various sources regarding religious attitudes. Shelburne discusses Jung’s ideologies and how they pertain to determining human nature. To contrast the ideologies and offer a potential rebuttal that offers a different perspective, Shelburne introduces the opposing beliefs of Paul Sartre. The concept of human nature is discussed in a way that connects human freedom and the concept of liberation. Different philosophies are introduced and expanded in ways rooted in Jung’s psychology. These contrasting ideologies ultimately lead to the conclusion that one must overcome self-deception to achieve true human liberation. As a note on the author, Walter Shelburne is a professor of philosophy at Diablo Valley College. The Applied Philosophy Institute is in San Jose, California, and was founded by Walter Shelburne. This journal article was published in the Journal of Religion and Health, which aims to discuss important concepts that combine psychology, mental health, philosophy, and spirituality/ religion.
Snyder, Samuel. “New Streams of Religion: Fly Fishing as a Lived, Religion of Nature.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion, vol. 75, no. 4, 2007, pp. 896–922. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40005968. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
“New Streams of Religion: Fly Fishing as a Lived, Religion of Nature” is an article by Samuel Snyder discusses the connection between fly-fishing and religion, stating that often people describe fly-fishing as a spiritual event. The article offers insight into the sub-culture of fly-fishing that considers fly-fishing a religious practice, demonstrating how fly-fishing fits into that category. Showing how individuals use fly-fishing as a way to find connection in the world, the article aptly links fly-fishing and religion together, offering insight into another side of the sport. It also highlights how fly-fishing offers a deeper connection to nature, showcasing how fly-fishing could be considered a lived religion.
The article gives in depth information on how connecting with nature can be an integral part of religions, and how those involved with fly-fishing have stated how the sport initiates that for them. Even the process of casting technique or picking a rod lines up with performing specific ritualistic acts of a religion. This article offers a new perspective when regarding both the text and fly-fishing and allows one to be able to approach it in an interesting way. Highlighting an aspect of fly-fishing culture not often talked about or looked at, this article deeply analyzes how fly-fishing can fit into the category of religion.
Spielman, Rose. Psychology 2e. Openstax, 22 April 2020.
This textbook examines the human mind and psychological concepts, divided into categories. Further, it observes how certain psychological states can affect our livelihood and relationships. It elaborates on these concepts by introducing different therapeutic methods and recovery methods. It gives an in-depth history of psychology and discusses significant concepts by renowned psychologists such as Erik Erikson, Carl Jung, and Jean Piaget. The textbook’s content offers emerging research in the field of psychology as well as classical concepts that aim to educate those taking a psychology course. The text also examines different cultures and how they relate to one another in terms of psychological concepts.
Psychology2e was written by Rose Spielman, William Jenkins, and Marilyn Lovett. Each of whom has extensive knowledge of psychology and is are educators at an accredited universities.
This version of the textbook is online and is considered the second edition. It is updated on a consistent basis while paying heed to any suggestions readers might have to give students access to the latest information and discoveries in the field of psychology. The textbook also incorporates the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) into its discussions and teachings.
Willard, Nancy. “Rivers Run Through It.” New York Times, Section 7, Page 7, March 2002, https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/03/books/rivers-run-through-it.html
Nancy Willard authored “Rivers Run Through It,” published in the New York Times on March 3, 2002. Her article analyzes Anthony Doerr’s first short story collection, The Shell Collector, published by Penguin Books in 2002. She is a poet, novelist, writer, and teacher. Willard wrote children’s fiction, poetry, novels, short stories, and literary criticism for adults. She attended the University of Michigan and Stanford University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. From 1965 to 2013, she taught in Vassar College’s English Department. Throughout her career, she published 70 books of poetry and fiction. Among her many awards, A Visit to William Blake’s Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers (1982) was the first book of poetry to receive both a Caldecott Honor and a Newbery Medal.
In her analysis, she describes Doerr’s writing as eavesdropping on people’s storytelling about living in the wilderness. Throughout her critique, Willard identifies central themes of nature, hunting, and letting go. Her exploration of these themes offers readers a deeper understanding of the underlying motifs that tie together the diverse stories within the book. Willard also describes the collection as filled with characters in the wild and civilized worlds. Her article is a quick overview of Doerr’s first published collection of short stories and includes an expert’s point of view about his writing style and structure and gives the reader a sneak peek into the imaginative short stories that fill the pages of The Shell Collector.
Young, Rebecca; Monsivais, Adrianna; Couch, Erica; King, Ava. “‘River Run’ by Anthony Doerr: Q and A with ‘River Run’ Author Anthony Doerr.” Beginnings and Endings: A Critical Edition, Pressbooks, 2023.
This interview was conducted with Anthony Doerr on the 8th of December, 2023. The interview was arranged by the project manager, Rebecca Young, of the Critical Edition and analysis of Doerr’s short story entitled “River Run” (whose title has since changed to “A Tangle by the Rapid River.”)
The interview consists of questions that are phrased to better understand Doerr’s short story through different literary lenses, which consist of new criticism, reader response, deconstruction, and psychological. The information given during the interview has been used in the various essays of this critical edition to provide further insights for the reader/ audience.
The overall interview elapsed for a total of thirty-five minutes and covered a wide range of topics as well. Doerr elaborates on his process as a writer and shares invaluable insights into the world of writing. He discusses different techniques and how some of his work came together. Toward the end of the interview, he shares his thoughts regarding generative A.I. and its use in modern literature. The conversation occurs between the project manager, the editor, the publisher, the professor of the class, and Doerr himself.
Zerweck, Bruno. “Historicizing Unreliable Narration: Unreliability and Cultural Discourse in Narrative Fiction.” Style, vol. 35, no. 1, 2001, pp. 151–76. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/style.35.1.151. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.
Bruno Zerweck, a scholar associated with Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, has significantly contributed to the discourse on unreliable narration in literary studies. His work explores the concept of unreliable narrators in narrative literary fiction, and in his essay, “Historizing Unreliable Narration: Unreliability and Cultural Discourse in Narrative Fiction,” published in the Spring of 2001, he examines the concept of unreliable narration and the importance of the concept since its introduction in 1961 by Wayne C. Booth. Booth’s definition is considered to be the foundational expertise on the topic and has been found in almost every narrative textbook. In the essay, Zerweck begins his study with the straightforward description of Booth’s classic definition of an unreliable narrator: a narrator is reliable when they adhere to the norms of the work and unreliable when they deviate from those norms. However, Zerweck’s research challenges traditional definitions and approaches and emphasizes the study from a reader-centered perspective rather than relying solely on the implied author. He considers unreliability an interpretive strategy shaped by readers’ cognitive processes. Zerweck advocates for historical and cultural awareness, recognizing that unreliability varies across time and cultural contexts. He examines key points in his paper that include the concept of the unreliable narrator, the reader-centered approach, and the historical and cultural context at the intersection of ethics, aesthetics, and various cultural discourses. The essay invites the reader to consider unreliable narration beyond traditional definitions.
