It’s fascinating how a simple query, like 'alternate Kennedys pdf,' can open up a whole universe of thought, can't it? While the immediate association might be with political hypotheticals or historical 'what-ifs,' the concept of 'alternate' realities often finds its most vibrant expression in the realm of fiction. And speaking of fiction, I recently came across something that really sparked my imagination, a project by John Hardberger, a second-year MFA candidate in fiction at UNM.
Hardberger is working on a literary science fiction novel, tentatively titled Familiar. What caught my eye was its setting: an alternate version of America at the turn of the 20th century. This isn't just a simple twist on history; the novel promises to weave together genres like fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, and horror. The core theme, as he describes it, is the intersection of faith and identity. It centers on an excommunicated nun, Joanna, who was once part of a secretive, magic-wielding religious order. Her journey into a crime investigation in this alternate America sounds like a compelling exploration of what happens when the spiritual and the mundane collide.
What I find particularly resonant about Hardberger's ambition is his stated goal: to make readers question what is lost when spirituality becomes institutionalized, and how our institutions, whether spiritual or otherwise, can better serve us. It’s a profound question, and one that feels especially relevant today. This kind of literary exploration, delving into 'alternate' possibilities, allows us to examine our own realities and societal structures from fresh perspectives.
This isn't the only exciting work happening in literary studies, though. The UNM Department of English Language and Literature's convocation highlights a range of fascinating research. Haley Steffens, a Ph.D. candidate in American Literary Studies, is delving into immigration and assimilation patterns in 19th-century North American literature. Her dissertation, An (Un)Assimilated Nation, looks at how these experiences are reflected in literature, examining categories like 'willing assimilation,' 'resisted assimilation,' and 'non-participatory assimilation.' It’s a deep dive into the complexities of belonging and identity, viewed through the lens of historical narratives.
Then there's Jessie Bonafede, a PhD candidate focusing on Medieval Studies. Her work on Violence Condemned, Violence Condoned analyzes performative chivalric violence in English alliterative romances. She's using a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from literary studies, art and military history, anthropology, and sociology to understand the discourses of chivalric violence and gender. Her aim is to uncover the less recognized, more socially normalized arenas of violence, which is a powerful way to broaden our understanding of historical societal norms.
And for those interested in regional narratives, Brandy Reeves, another Ph.D. Candidate in American Literary Studies, is exploring the structural and institutional racialization of motherhood among women of color in the Southwest. Her research, supported by fellowships from the Center for Regional Studies and the Glenda Lewis Critical Race Award, promises to shed light on critical aspects of American literature and identity.
These diverse projects, from alternate historical fiction to deep dives into medieval romance and critical race scholarship, all showcase the incredible breadth and depth of literary inquiry. They remind us that literature isn't just about telling stories; it's about asking questions, challenging assumptions, and ultimately, helping us understand ourselves and the world around us a little better, whether that world is our own or an 'alternate' one.
