WCC Foundation will take Southern literary journey
By Staff Reports
Published in News on September 29, 2012 11:58 PM
The Wayne Community College Foundation will take audiences on a Southern literary tour as part of its offerings this fall.
Throughout October, the Foundation will host four University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, professors as they each offer a look into some of the authors who have become synonymous with southern literature.
"We call if a "literary sampler" because you can choose your favorite writer in the series or choose to attend them all -- like a box of chocolates," said Kay Cooke, chairman of the event and a member of the Foundation's board of directors.
The programs will be offered on Mondays on Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
The series will kick off on Oct. 8 with a discussion of the works of novelist Richard Wright presented by Rebecka Rutledge Fisher, Ph.D., who serves as an assistant professor in the UNC English Department.
She is also the author of "Remnants of Memory: Testimony and Being in Sketches of Southern Life."
To prepare for her presentation, Dr. Fisher recommends reading Wright's famous work, "Native Son."
On Oct. 15, Florence Dore, Ph. D., will speak on Georgia's Flannery O'Connor, who is famous for her short stories and essays about characters in the South.
Dr. Dore is the southern literature specialist for Post*45.
She recommends participants read O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" in advance of her presentation.
The next week, Joseph Flora, Ph.D., will take the stage to speak about William Faulkner, long-considered the dean of southern novelists.
A distinguished professor at Chapel Hill, Dr. Flora has co-edited "Southern Writers: A New Biographical Guide," and has served as acting director of the Center for the Study of the American South."
He suggests that attendees read "The Sound and the Fury."
Popular writer Marianne Gingher will return to the WCC Lecture Hall to discuss Mississippi's favorite daughter, Eudora Welty.
A professor of creative writing, Ms. Gingher has published seven books, winning the National Library Association's Best Book of the Year and a Sir Walter Raleigh Award for fiction.
She suggests the short stories, "Livvie is Back" and "Powerhouse" and the novelette, "The Robber Bridegroom" for those who wish to take part in her evening with Eudora Welty.
Ms. Cooke advises that while the readings are suggested, they are by no means a requirement to attend the Literary Sampler, just a suggestion to help make the lectures even more enjoyable.
And while committee members would appreciate advance registrations by calling 919-739-7007, residents are invited to attend any or all of the events.
The series will be in the WCC Lecture Hall, which is located in the Walnut Building, Room 101, at Wayne Community College.
It is the last building on the right, across from the parking lot.