Literature and Lecture Column

Literature and Lecture Column

"Celebrity News"

Though it was published in 1893, this article definitely has the same language and overall feel of a contemporary tabloid article one could find at the checkout counter at Stop and Shop. But instead of having articles talk about Brangelina or the Kardashians, this column provides an insight into famous writers, who might have had the social caliber and prestige of the Kardashians at that time. What makes this column so intriguing is not only the language, but the subjects of the writers themselves. In fact, two of the main subjects are authors we either have studied or will study in the course: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Olive Schreiner. When Schreiner in particular is described, there is an aura of wonder and fantasy in the language, as it speaks of her recent trip to South Africa. Furthermore, it suspects that it might be for her "new novel." The "hype" surrounding Schreiner in particular is so intriguing because it is no different from how our culture has fan theories and pages for a particular movie or book, but because the Victorians did not have movies or social media, they found a different means to engage in this conversation surrounding culture.

Anonymous

The Women's Herald

New York Public Library

October 19, 1893

PDF

Newspaper periodical