From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we take a look at a quite common literary theme, namely the redemption storyline. However, while frequent, this does not mean that it is by any means mundane or lacking variety. Indeed, the redemption theme remains one of literature’s most enduring and fascinating topic.
In literature, redemption storylines can be defined as those “showcase characters who have failed in the past . . . [and are now] addressing their prior mistake or failure.” Note that redemption themes are closely related to transformation storylines, which are “about evolving from a flawed being”
What
Some examples of redemption themes in literature include Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Additional notable examples include Atonement by Ian McEwan, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Where
These novels are set in a variety of geographical locations, including Imperial Russia, France, England, and Afghanistan.
When
These works take place in the 19 and 20 centuries.
Why
These novels may be of interest to AU learners who would like to learn more about notable literary themes in world literature, as well as those who enjoy intricate stories, which focus on the complexity of the human experience. In particular, these novels may appeal to learners who are overcoming difficult situations in their own lives.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the redemption story are available in a variety of disciplines, including one’s that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 395: The Nineteenth-Century English Novel, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “introduces the student to some of the major English novels of the nineteenth century.” (Please note that both ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays are required as prerequisites).
In addition, AU learners may be interested in ENGL 345: American Literature II, another senior-level, three-credit course, which “follows the introduction to American literature begun in ENGL 344.” In particular, this course, “continues the exploration of the history and development of American literature and its rich variety of forms and techniques.” (Please note that this course also requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites). Happy reading!
