An exploration of Arkansas literature

Objective

• We will look at the literature of Arkansas and study the culture surrounding the settings of the works we read.

Works we will cover:

• True Grit by Charles Portis• I Know Why the Caged Bird

Sings by Maya Angelou• Various Arkansas Folk Tales• Native American Myths• Various Arkansas Folk Songs• Various articles concerning

Arkansas culture

Introduction to True Grit

Introduction to True Grit

• Written by Charles Portis in 1968

• Set in Fort Smith, AR and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma)in the 1870s

Introduction to True GritMusic of the Era

• “Frog Went A-Courtin’"- Almeda Riddle

• “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”-Iris DeMent

Art of the Era

Introduction to True Grit

• Judge Isaac Parker—The Hanging Judge– Served in Fort Smith from 1875-1896

Introduction to True Grit

HOMEWORK:

Read Chapter 1-3 of True Grit