Politics and Fiction

In this class we’ll explore the power of politics—broadly and personally defined—in the creation of fictional worlds. How does a contemporary writer deal with current events that easily outstrip the imagination? What is the most effective use of one’s sincere political beliefs? How does a writer battle false ideology? How does a writer harness rank anger? Students will come having read pieces by George Orwell, Doris Lessing, and George Saunders, and ready to discuss politics as character, politics as plot, politics as voice. And then we’ll start writing. Healing not guaranteed.