‘We do no harm, we say what we want, and we get paid for it’ : Academic Work and Dignity in Stoner by John Williams

• Examining the meaning of work in relation to identity, this chapter looks at literary renditions of jobs in academia, especially in the campus novel. Departing from John Williams’ Stoner (1965), the analysis situates the academic novel in a historical and cultural context where the idea that scholarly labour increases self-worth and dignity is under increasing pressure. Further, the theme of work-life dignity is expanded to a wider discussion of the borders and frontiers of the university, particularly of the humanities, in terms of value, usefulness, and productivity. To fully draw out the implications of the analysis, Stoner is read in relation to a range of academic novels that each conspicuously negotiates work, identity, and dignity, including Willa Cather’s The Professor’s House and J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace.

Ämnesord

HUMANIORA  -- Språk och litteratur -- Litteraturstudier (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Languages and Literature -- Specific Literatures (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Work

identity

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kap (ämneskategori)