Reading Assignment 2

In Chapter Five of How To Read Literature Like A Professor, the author reveals a new concept: Intertextuality, or, in my own words, the ever growing and changing relationship that exists between all works of literature, that creates a foundation for new works of literature to be built upon. This concept is apparent in many works of literature which allude to The Bible, often with Christ figures, and also fairy tales, using Prince Charmings, Damsels in Distress, and Evil Step Relations.

Chapter Six, Seven, and Eight reflect upon the various stories that book often allude to. Shakespearean tales, especially Romeo and Juliet are often Referenced. Biblical allusions find themselves in all kinds of books, and fairy tales are an easy reference for any kind of audience to grasp, not to mention fun, to use as building blocks. One book that I find has fairy tale reference is one of my personal favorites: Gone with the Wind. Our main character, Scarlett, can easily be turned into both a damsel in distress, as well as a princess. And our fetching Rhett, well he's obviously a Prince Charming, Knight in Shining Armor, Rescuer type. And indeed he does rescue Scarlett, from the horrible dragon known as the Union Army in a well known tower that we'll call Atlanta, Georgia. Or, perhaps, Rhett saves her from widowhood, the rules of society, and all other forms of propriety, and whisks her away to his Kingdom of wealth, finery, and... (gasp) scandal. And as much fun as that allusion is, I prefer to think of Scarlett as a Cinderella type. Although much braver, and with a lot more spunk. I haven't figured out exactly what her shoe is, but she's got a godmother, although not one of human form. In fact, its her own charm and quick thinking. Said wittiness was the reason behind her quick snatching of Mr. Frank Kennedy, entering her into the ball of Atlanta, rescuing her from the horrible taxation facing her back at Tara. Besides, I think Southern Belles of the era just had that Princess attitude, don't you?