Senior profiles for 2013-14 kick off with our SDA’s, Gwen Hogan and Kailey Schumacher.
1. Describe your experience as an English major in six words/haiku
Gwen: There simply is not enough coffee.
Kailey: So many words, so little time
2. If everyone moved to Mars but you missed the flight, which three literary characters would you want to keep you company?
Gwen: Elizabeth Bennet, because she would be witty and fun and I suspect she would be really good at coming up with games. Sir Gawain because he’s resourceful and charming, and I’d need a good love interest. And then finally Beatrice from Much Ado because she’s practical and badass.
Kailey: First, I would have Dumbledore because he would be interesting to talk to, as I am sure from his long life he has many great stories. Also, his ability to use magic would definitely be handy for survival and daily life. I would also choose Mr. Bingley because, though he may not be the brightest, he is hilarious and I’d need someone around to make me laugh and forget that the world is empty. Last, is Anne Elliot because she is loyal, level-headed and would be a true friend.
3. If you could create your own English class, what would it be?
Gwen: It would be solely dedicated to the Arthurian legends in their various forms and adaptations, starting with Chretien de Troyes and going up until the BBC series Merlin, focusing on a few of my particular favorites, like T. H. White’s “The Once and Future King” and “Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur.”
Kailey: There are two different classes. First, I would teach a class on young adult novels, focused on questions of identity development. I’d probably pull books from different genres, including fantasy and sci-fi. There would also be many discussions on the “literary merit” of the books we read. Or, second, a class devoted to women writers, probably focused in the 1800s including Jane Austen, George Eliot, the Brontës as well as lesser known authors like Elizabeth Gaskell.
4. If you could give your Freshman self one piece of advice for an English class what would it be?
Gwen: Don’t be scared to sign up for any class. You’re more equipped to handle it than you know, and it’s always worth the risk.
Kailey: Just sit back, relax, and enjoy reading novels and poetry for homework.