(no subject)

[novapsyche]

Over at 13_blackbirds, I've given some pointers on how to explicate a poem. This skill was taught to me by the venerable Elizabeth Dobbs, a professor at Grinnell. I had her my freshman year, when I (foolishly) thought I was going to be an English major. She was legend on campus for how strict she was and how dour.

I took her Poetry in English course, which compensated for Composition I Fundamentals of Literary Analysis. It was one of the best courses I had in my time at Grinnell.

Comments

[vylar-kaftan.livejournal.com]

Professor Dobbs was terrific. I somewhat regret not taking her Chaucer class. But I really don't care for Chaucer so much, so perhaps it was for the best.

My best class at Grinnell was from the also-strict, also kicked-my-ass Ana Martinez Aleman. It was International Feminism. I worked my tail off for that B and learned all sorts of things I didn't really understand until ten years later.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I never took anything from Ana. I remember you telling me about her, though.

You know, I'm not a big fan of Chaucer, either. But, I suppose, if I explicated his work, I might acquire a better taste for him . . . .

Dobbs earned her reputation, that's for sure. Late for class because of a train? Might as well turn around and go back to your room.