it is like december does not even exist

My semester has divided into two strict camps: Theory vs. Literature.  Theory is dominating.  I wish I had established a safe-word earlier in the game because my brain is melting.

To my knowledge we did not have theory classes at W&M and I'm 100% sure it's because they are stupid.  These people are all dead and frankly their stuff is old and boring.  Also, with the advent of the Internet, let's face it: TOMORROW'S arguments are obsolete already, so ... seriously.  What do you have to say that is relevant.

I'm in it for the political activism, you guys: literature is no longer cooped up in libraries and ivory towers and exposit-ed upon by sneezy old white men in fraying blazers with patched elbows.  It's on the streets, babiez, and when you dig into lit you're holla-ing at today's issues and the movements at the forefront of society.  Thus, I do not see the relevance of critical theorists unless they are historically related to my field(s).  It's like a class on Latin American history when you're a European history major.  It kind of makes sense that you have to take it, but doesn't apply to you really.

My professors disagree.   Evidently theory is crucial to my training in literature.

Behold, my semester of ferociously warring tribes. 
Shakespeare class? Awesome.  My seminar paper hovers between Gertrude, Hamlet, Lear, and Cordelia, with a dash of extreme sociopolitical brilliance.  Modern Lit?  Marxism and modernism and the correlating rise of sexual visibility to crisis economies ... it's going to be a great qualifying paper contestant.  Awesome squared.

"Hegel?"  "Intro to Grad Studies?"  Kicking. My. Ass.  It's unreal how lost I am in discussion and how terrifically difficult the papers are.  I am floored by theory.  It is maddening.

I have grudgingly reverted to the undergrad system: 40+ hours in the library and haunting office hours.  I refuse to let Theory walk all over me like this and I will see you after class, Professors.

So, there you have my graduate school experience.  But to end on an optimistic note:




If THAT doesn't make you feel awesome, than I have nothing else for you sir.