Title
Open Secrets: Literature, Education, And Authority From Jj. Rousseau To J. M. Coetzee
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Open Secrets reflects on contemporary humanistic pedagogy by examining the limits of the teachable in this domain. The Goethean motif of the open secret refers not to a revealed mystery but to an utterance that is not understood, the likely fate of any instruction based purely on authority. Revisiting the European Bildungsroman, it studies the pedagogical relationship from the point of view of the tutor or mentor figure rather than with the usual focus on the young hero. The argument is not confined to works of fiction, however, but examines texts in which the category of fiction has a crucial and constitutive function, for a growing awareness of limited authority on the part of the mentor figures is closely related to fictive selfconsciousness in the texts. Rousseau's Emile, as a seminovelised treatise, whose fictiveness is at once overt and yet unmarked, is relatively unaware of the imaginary nature of its envisaged authority. Passing through Laurence Sterne, C. M. Wieland, Goethe and Nietzsche, the situation is gradually reversed, culminating with the conscious impasse of authority in Thus Spoke Zarathustra. All these writers have achieved their pedagogical impact despite, indeed by means of, their internal scepticism. By contrast, in the three subsequent writers, D. H. Lawrence, F. R. Leavis and J. M. Coetzee, the impasse of pedagogical authority becomes more literal as the authority of Bildung is eroded in the wider culture. The awareness of pedagogical authority as a species of fiction, to be conducted in an aesthetic spirit, remains a significant prophylactic against the perennial pressure of reductive conceptions of the education as form of instructional 'production'.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has two hundred seventy-two pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of its themes and arguments.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This makes it durable and suitable for long-term reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point two one inches in length, one inch in width, and six point three inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: What themes are covered in this book? A: The book explores themes of pedagogy, authority, and the limits of teachability. It analyzes these concepts through various literary works.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Michael Bell. He provides a scholarly perspective on literature and education.
- Q: What is the primary focus of the book? A: The primary focus is on contemporary humanistic pedagogy. It examines the relationship between mentors and students in literary contexts.
- Q: Is this book suitable for students? A: Yes, the book is suitable for students and educators. It offers valuable insights into literary pedagogy and authority.
- Q: How can I apply the concepts from this book? A: You can apply the concepts by reflecting on your own teaching methods and the authority dynamics in educational settings. The book provides examples and analyses to guide this reflection.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young readers? A: No, this book is not aimed at young readers. It discusses complex themes and texts that are more suitable for an adult audience.
- Q: What kind of literary works does the book analyze? A: The book analyzes a range of literary works, including Rousseau's 'Emile' and Nietzsche's 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra'. These texts illustrate the evolving nature of pedagogical authority.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To care for this hardcover book, keep it in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will help maintain its condition over time.
- Q: Can this book be returned if damaged? A: Yes, if the book arrives damaged, you can return it. Check the retailer's return policy for specific instructions on how to proceed.
- Q: What if I have issues with the content of the book? A: If you have issues with the content of the book, consider discussing it with peers or educators. Engaging in dialogue can enhance understanding of the material.
- Q: Are there any safety concerns with this book? A: No, there are no safety concerns associated with this book. It is a scholarly text intended for educational purposes.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf, away from moisture and heat. This will help preserve its quality for future reading.