Journal of Critical Studies in Language and Literature

A Study of Wyndham Lewis’s Hitler (1931) and The Hitler Cult (1939) in the Light of Literary Modernism and Politics

Mohsen Gholami — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present research delves into Wyndham Lewis’s political writings Hitler (1931) and The Hitler Cult (1939) through the critical viewpoint of Leon Surette to magnify modernism and its intersections with politics. Surette’s analytical approach stresses the ambivalent feelings and apparent contradictions in Lewis’s involvement with fascism, totalitarianism, and the broader political context of the interwar period (1918-1939). By examining these polemical and disputatious works through Surette’s lens, this research paper seeks to unravel how Lewis’s literary modernism wrestle with the political realities of his time, especially the peak and trough of Adolf Hitler and the allure of authoritarianism. In this fashion, Hitler (1931) portrays Lewis’s sophisticated mind and often contentious position, amalgamating modernist techniques with a problematic portrayal of Hitler as both a political figure and a modernist symbol. In contrast, The Hitler Cult (1939) manifests a marked change in Lewis’s perspective, moving from ambivalence to a more explicit conviction of the Nazi movement and the potential dangers of cult-like political extremism. In the end, this paper argues that Hitler and The Hitler Cult provide a nuanced and often contradictory exploration of the intersection between literary modernism and politics.

The Different Faces of the Trickster: The Psychoanalyst and the Buddhist in Iris Murdoch's A Severed Head and The Sea, The Sea

Soheila Farhani Nejad — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In Iris Murdoch’s novels, characters often search for a sense of purpose in life by attaching themselves to figures of authority. Two prominent powerful figures in her fiction are the characters of the psychoanalyst and the Buddhist. This study examines the way Murdoch has used the mythical trickster figure to highlight the opposing characteristics of the psychoanalyst and the Buddhist in the character of Palmer in A Severed Head and James in The Sea, The Sea. In these novels, both characters are portrayed as trickster figures who have a healing function in the lives of those around them. But while in A Severed Head Palmer uses the language of psychotherapy to further his own self-interests, in James’ character, Murdoch’s notion of the necessity of attending to other’s emotional and spiritual well-being is emphasized. This argument is supported by referring to Murdoch’s distrust of the ability of psychotherapy to solve individuals’ spiritual problems.

Book Review: Pan, F. (Ed.). (2024). AI in Language Teaching, Learning, And Assessment. Pennsylvania: IGI Global

Jacqueline Żammit — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As a scholar and educator working at the intersection of applied linguistics and educational technology, I was immediately drawn to AI in Language Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, edited by Fang Pan. My current research focuses on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning environments, and I have firsthand experience integrating AI tools into my language instruction practices. This context positions me well to critically evaluate the text, which offers an ambitious exploration of AI’s transformative role in language education. The book, published in 2024 by IGI Global, provides a timely and comprehensive assessment of AI’s integration into teaching, learning, and assessment—a subject of growing importance in the field of applied linguistics.

Gender Neutralization in Naomi Midori Novel’s Patient: The Struggle of Feminism-Masculinism

Diva Kinanti Kartikaningtyas , Onok Yayang Pamungkas — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively understand the phenomenon of the struggle between feminism and masculinism which is influenced by the neutralization of the main character in the novel Patient by Naomi Midori. The objects studied are in the form of words, sentences. The data collection technique is by reading and recording techniques. The data analysis is using the Miles and Huberman’s analysis mode, namely data reduction, data exposure and drawing conclusions and verification. The results of the study show that the concept of radical feminism is influenced by neutralization, namely rationalizing crime for equality. Meanwhile, masculinity influenced by neutralization is concerned with justified helplessness. The form of neutralization of the two genders is implicitly visualized in the cover of the novel Patient. The implication of this study is that it can conduct studies from different literary perspectives, such as psychology and anthropology. Diverse assessments can provide developments in both theoretical and practical aspects.

MSU-Main as Heterotopia: Perspectives and Memories of Retired Meranaw Employees

Mosa-ab Z. Mangurun — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines Mindanao State University-Main Campus at Marawi through the lens of Foucault's concept of heterotopia, exploring its role as a unique academia within the complex socio-political landscape of the Bangsamoro region. A mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, ethnographic interviews, and autoethnographic reflection, was used to investigate the experiences of retired Meranaw employees and the campus as an emplacement. The study reveals MSU-Main as a multifaceted heterotopic space, simultaneously embodying characteristics of both crisis and deviance heterotopias. It originally functioned as an apparatus of the Philippine Government while serving as a 'social laboratory' for cultural integration. Findings indicate its complex feature as an apparatus of power, as a socio-economic base, with a striking ethnopolitical characteristic, and a tendency to mirror the socio-cultural expectations of its location. Its characteristic as physical territory is shaped by the resistance of indigeneity over the constitutionality of land ownership. It uncovers tensions between the university's mandate for diversity and recent demographic shifts and its perception as a symbol of state power during periods of conflict. Despite challenges, the research reveals MSU-Main as a site of intercultural harmony and mutual support, particularly evident during times of crisis. This study contributes to the understanding of educational institutions in post-colonial contexts, offering insights into the role of universities in shaping cultural identities and navigating complex power dynamics. It provides a foundation for future research on the long-term effects of heterotopic educational spaces and their potential to foster inclusive, culturally sensitive learning environments.