tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425514987715337437.post6609835665086274543..comments2024-03-26T22:47:45.276-07:00Comments on Intro to Critical Reading: Final Project ProposalAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425514987715337437.post-60144265444080720762012-04-06T13:27:18.268-07:002012-04-06T13:27:18.268-07:00The core argument or agenda seems very interesting...The core argument or agenda seems very interesting, and is rather different from anything you've attempted with this topic before. To frame Jodahs in terms of faith and religion, and thus in human vs. Oankali terms, is ambitious, interesting and unique. Good plan!<br /><br />Trying to think about the novels in relationship with Islam - and using the Jinn thing to approach it - is interesting, ambitious, and far from obvious. Here's one angle I think you should probably keep in mind: Lilith, whose origins we know much about (other than the cancer in her family) marries a Nigerian men, and gives her first son a Yoruba name. Nigeria, of course, is roughly split between Christianity and Islam, and in many ways is ground zero for conflict between the two religions. We could make too much of that, but the Nigerian references seem like something that could help you. Making your case isn't easy, but thinking through the right details could get you there - I'm pointing out to the ones which occur to me.<br /><br />Your research on Jinn (proposed at the top) seems a little thin. I'd suggest digging a little farther at the library. It's your project, not mine, but this book looked promising to me when I did an initial search:<br /><br />Islam, Arabs, and the intelligent world of the jinn (our library has a copy).<br /><br />Here's the results of a relevant subject searcH:<br /><br />http://pittcat.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?SC=Subject&SA=Jinn%2E&PID=K4elkFGyEl_PSn-BpUPKTb8T3bbj&BROWSE=1&HC=3&SID=2<br /><br />I'm not saying that you need to get bogged down in excessive research, and yet just pinning down the role of Islam and jinn in the novel is demanding; more research might help.<br /><br />Anyway, I remain extremely interested. Your whole section 2 does a good job of explaining why this topic could be important. Pulling it off is the tricky part, but I think you have promising ideas.<br /><br />An aside: does Judas appear in the Qur'an at all? Jesus, after all, is reference a lot. That question might possibly be relevant.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425514987715337437.post-46620637848249236362012-04-05T08:31:42.280-07:002012-04-05T08:31:42.280-07:00Hi, Katelyn!
I really love this idea. As you say,...Hi, Katelyn!<br /><br />I really love this idea. As you say, exploring the faith allusions and religious undertones of Butler, and especially Jodhas itself, provide a better understanding of, or at least a more intricate and informed way to interpret the ending.<br /><br />Your sources seem solid and as long as you summarize the concepts of the folklore succinctly, the argument will be strong. My only concern for you is organization. My advice would be to make sure you focus and don’t go on too many tangents, although, one or two may benefit the paper. I’m not sure how often you outline your papers, but I’d suggest a fairly detailed outline for this one, just so that you can be sure you stay on focus and avoid unnecessary stress!<br /><br />Last of all: have fun. This topic seems really interesting and it will be cool to see what you can pull out of Butler in terms of religion.Erika Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02868482484611010466noreply@blogger.com