Starting the course with Marquez’s “The Most Handsome Drowned Man” is a clever move for a literature class. The story shows how a village’s simple, day-to-day life is turned upside down when a mysterious drowned man arrives. By picking this as the first read, it’s like saying, “Look, literature isn’t just about words on a page. It’s about how these words can paint vivid pictures and feelings.” This story blends the real with the magical, making us question the boundaries of reality. It prepares students for a journey where we’ll dive into how writers use language to create whole worlds and provoke deep feelings. It’s the perfect teaser for what’s to come: a journey into the heart of storytelling and the magic of words.
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2 thoughts on “Jiyuan Wang Discussion 1”
Interesting perspective Jiyuan. I really appreciate this line in your response, “Look, literature isn’t just about words on a page. It’s about how these words can paint vivid pictures and feelings,” such a simple yet elegant insight. This perspective seems especially poignant given Marquez’s literary background in magical realism which makes it all the more relevant to the interpretation you provided. Do you think that Professor Conway’s only intent behind assigning this piece was to provide us with that perspective? Or do you think there was a more procedural intent behind its use?
Jiyuan, as I noted to Christopher, I think this story is about the power of stories to change lives and ways of thinking. But I also like what you say about going on “a journey into the heart of storytelling.” And yes, I hope you will be touched the “magic of words” during the next few weeks.