This is my blog for English 213 "Classical Foundations of Literature" with Dr. Michael Sexson.
Right now the foul demons of procrastination are in epic struggle with the muses for what gets posted on here.
Looking forward to the class. I do have one challenging dilemma though, to Dr. Sexson's assertion that "All that is past possesses our present." I'd agree that up until 50 years or so ago, maybe 70, that every theme created was inevitably linked to themes from the past. But something really big began to happen in the 20th century.
The conception of the digital era.
It's changed everything, and I was born at a time when that change was occurring. For instance, when my sister, four years older than myself, went to Helena Middle School there were no computers for her to use, to learn from, or to simply get used to. When I attended that same school we had a computer lab, terminals for general use. This technological revolution has impacted every aspect of our lives, from the ways in which we purchase items, to the ways in which we communicate, and to some extent to the way we live our lives. This blog, required by the class, would be proof enough of that.
So, my question is this: Where in the past was this radical change predicted, alluded to, or conceptualized? This is not a rhetorical question, and if anyone out there can construct a viable argument for it, I'd certainly like to learn it.
But, as of right now, I'm sure the Greeks before the common era didn't think of it.
Why would this be important to me? Do you realize for the first time in human history information is indestructible? Do you realize that copies of a work are spawned through the Internet completely independent of the original? (Stand Alone Complex)
The human condition has been changed in a way that could not of been predicted. Therefore, stories "Literature" if you will is being generated without any connection to the "classics." Things are happening that have never happened before.
If someone could prove me wrong, or provide a dialogue in opposition to this view, please feel free to post.