Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 5.09 Literature and Poetry
Presentation #1 Title
Considering the Italics: Images of Appalachia in Fred Chappell’s Kirkman Tetralogy
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Keywords: literature, literary analysis, Fred Chappell, Kirkman Tetralogy, Appalachia, stereotypes This paper demonstrates how Fred Chappell uses the italicized sections in his Kirkman tetralogy to challenge stereotypical perceptions of Appalachia. The damage inflicted on Appalachia by the publication of local color literature has been extensive, especially when audiences have been conditioned to accept the authority of authors. It thus becomes important to know and question the credibility of authors and the images of Appalachia they create. Fred Chappell complicates the popular perception of Appalachia while using narrative form to remind readers of his limitations as an author. His writing, particularly his Kirkman tetralogy, can be seen as a successful contemporary effort to break apart stereotypical images of Appalachia that remain frozen in modern culture. While scholars do focus on the ways in which Chappell’s writing refutes and challenges stereotypes, critics seldom consider how the italicized sections of these novels further that aim. The thematic thread of the italicized sections is the coming of age and development of a writer, evident in the emotional and symbolic content of the sections. Through this construction Chappell calls attention to the limits of his authority as a writer, subtly cautioning readers not to take his tales as a monolithic representation of the region. In doing so, Chappell helps revise dominant narratives and encourages readers to consider diverse perspectives of Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Corey McClintock is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Asheville majoring in chemistry and literature. Corey grew up in Black Mountain, NC, and enjoys creative writing and playing clawhammer banjo.
Considering the Italics: Images of Appalachia in Fred Chappell’s Kirkman Tetralogy
Harris Hall 446
Keywords: literature, literary analysis, Fred Chappell, Kirkman Tetralogy, Appalachia, stereotypes This paper demonstrates how Fred Chappell uses the italicized sections in his Kirkman tetralogy to challenge stereotypical perceptions of Appalachia. The damage inflicted on Appalachia by the publication of local color literature has been extensive, especially when audiences have been conditioned to accept the authority of authors. It thus becomes important to know and question the credibility of authors and the images of Appalachia they create. Fred Chappell complicates the popular perception of Appalachia while using narrative form to remind readers of his limitations as an author. His writing, particularly his Kirkman tetralogy, can be seen as a successful contemporary effort to break apart stereotypical images of Appalachia that remain frozen in modern culture. While scholars do focus on the ways in which Chappell’s writing refutes and challenges stereotypes, critics seldom consider how the italicized sections of these novels further that aim. The thematic thread of the italicized sections is the coming of age and development of a writer, evident in the emotional and symbolic content of the sections. Through this construction Chappell calls attention to the limits of his authority as a writer, subtly cautioning readers not to take his tales as a monolithic representation of the region. In doing so, Chappell helps revise dominant narratives and encourages readers to consider diverse perspectives of Appalachia.
