8-1 Reflection Discussion: The Bigger Picture

Reflect on your initial thoughts about literature from your first discussion in Module One. Discuss how your thoughts about literature and/or the writing process have changed based on the ideas presented in this course.

In doing so, be sure to address each of the following:

Consider the relationship between literature and cultural identity, and themes and literary elements.
Identify one text that inspired you in regard to culture and identity.
What do you think about the idea of literature and other art forms/genres informing each other (e.g., dystopian literature and dystopian movies, or art and poets writing about the art, or poems and short stories)? Can you think of an example of this?
Identify one discussion you had with a peer that helped you during the development of your essay or that impacted your thoughts about cultural identity in relation to literature.

First discussion post below:

My name is Isiah Paige, I am a Junior at Southern New Hampshire University – Majoring in Communication – Public Relation Concentration. I work in Case Management for a Managed Care Organization. After receiving my degree, I would like to pursue a career in Crisis Management. I was born and raised in Pass Christian, MS. Currently reside in New Orleans, LA. I love fitness, festivals, enjoy time with family and friends, ATV adventures, horses, theme parks, exploring new cultures, social events, and travel. There are many different types of Literature, and throughout high school, most of us read and study famous pieces written by popular authors. I enjoyed reading and studying all types of literature in school, but my favorite was a story or poem that talked about how to overcome the obstacles and unforeseen circumstances we sometimes face in life. I chose the following three pieces because each one had an impact on me and gave me motivation and strength to face and overcome challenges in my life. Each piece demonstrates that the outcome of our inner happiness or success lies in our reaction to unforeseen circumstances and the choices we make to overcome them. My first selection of literature is one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost. I read “The Road Not Taken” in my high school junior English class. I like this poem and still remember it because I felt a deep connection to it. In high school, peer pressure is very challenging, and this poem made me feel better about making good decisions not to follow the crowd just to fit in or be popular.