[ Introduction and Description | Schedule and Readings | Assessment and Policies | Related Resources ]

Kuo Pao Kun (1)

Readings

• Kuo Pao Kun, Images at the Margins.
  Read as widely as possible here. You should definitely read the introductory essays on Kuo, and the two monologues "No Parking on Odd Days" and "The Coffin is too Big for the Hole," as well as the essays which follow them. Make sure you are also familiar with the chronology of Kuo's life until 1999 given at the end of the book. If you can't obtain the book, try to at least copy and read the introductory essay by Yu Yun, "The Soil of Life . . ." pp. 18-59.
• Bertolt Brecht,"Theatre for Learning."
• If you are interested in Brechtian influences on Kuo, take a look at "Bertolt Brecht and Defamiliarization (Alienation)" by Leon Boey. Note that the Brecht Sourcebook is on reserve at the Library

What to Look for in Reading

This week will begin a three-week discussion of two writers whose work has been considered "political" with reference to Singapore--although note that the writers themselves may question this description. In this session, we'll try to place the work of Kuo Pao Kun within the context of Singapore Literature and society, and also to understand some of the influences on his work.

Preparatory Questions

Post a 100-200 word reply to any ONE of the following questions to our IVLE bulletin board by 10 p.m. the day before our class meeting. If this is the first time you have written an IVLE response on which you will be assessed, consult the Guidelines on IVLE postings first. Make sure you print out a copy of your response and bring it to class for discussion.

1. In what ways, if any, do you think Literature can be or ought to be "political"?

2. In what ways do you think Brechtian theory influences either "No Parking on Odd Days" or "The Coffin is too Big for the Hole"?

3. If you have seen any of Kuo's plays, either in English or Chinese, compare and contrast the experience of reading the text with watching the performance. In what sense was the performance a different text?

4. Respond to, critique, or develop any point made by Yu Yun in his introductory essay.

5. Kuo's plays, while internationally successful, have also been described as characteristically Singaporean. To what extent do you agree with this characterisation?

Last updated: 29 December, 2003