About the book
As questions of citizenship generate new debates for this generation of Americans, Brook Thomas argues for revitalizing the role of literature in civic education. Thomas defines civic myths as compelling stories about national origin, membership, and values that are generated by conflicts within the concept of citizenship itself. Selected works of literature, he claims, work on these myths by challenging their terms at the same time that they work with them by relying on the power of narrative to produce compelling new stories.
Civic Myths consists of four case studies: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and “the good citizen”; Edward Everett Hale’s “The Man without a Country” and “the patriotic citizen”; Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and “the independent citizen”; and Maxine Hong Kingston’s China Men and “the immigrant citizen.” Thomas also provides analysis of the civic mythology surrounding Abraham Lincoln and the case of Ex parte Milligan. Engaging current debates about civil society, civil liberties, civil rights, and immigration, Thomas draws on the complexities of law and literature to probe the complexities of U.S. citizenship.
Editions of Civic Myths
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807831533
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807858462
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469606798
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890882486
Read an Excerpt
As questions of citizenship generate new debates for this generation of Americans, Brook Thomas argues for revitalizing the role of literature in civic education. Thomas defines civic myths as compelling stories about national origin, membership, and values that are generated by conflicts within the concept of citizenship itself. Selected works of literature, he claims, work on these myths by challenging their terms at the same time that they work with them by relying on the power of narrative to produce compelling new stories.
Civic Myths consists of four case studies: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and “the good citizen”; Edward Everett Hale’s “The Man without a Country” and “the patriotic citizen”; Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and “the independent citizen”; and Maxine Hong Kingston’s China Men and “the immigrant citizen.” Thomas also provides analysis of the civic mythology surrounding Abraham Lincoln and the case of Ex parte Milligan. Engaging current debates about civil society, civil liberties, civil rights, and immigration, Thomas draws on the complexities of law and literature to probe the complexities of U.S. citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Civic Myths about?
As questions of citizenship generate new debates for this generation of Americans, Brook Thomas argues for revitalizing the role of literature in civic education. Thomas defines civic myths as compelling stories about national origin, membership, and values that are generated by conflicts within the concept of citizenship itself. Selected works of literature, he claims, work on these myths by challenging their terms at the same time that they work with them by relying on the power of narrative to produce compelling new stories.
Civic Myths consists of four case studies: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and “the good citizen”; Edward Everett Hale’s “The Man without a Country” and “the patriotic citizen”; Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and “the independent citizen”; and Maxine Hong Kingston’s China Men and “the immigrant citizen.” Thomas also provides analysis of the civic mythology surrounding Abraham Lincoln and the case of Ex parte Milligan. Engaging current debates about civil society, civil liberties, civil rights, and immigration, Thomas draws on the complexities of law and literature to probe the complexities of U.S. citizenship.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Civic Myths?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism
Where can I read a sample of Civic Myths?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831533
How long is Civic Myths and how many pages does it have?
Civic Myths has 320 page(s)
Is Civic Myths part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cultural Studies of the United States
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Civic Myths?
Brook Thomas
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Civic Myths is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831533) and paperback(ISBN 9780807858462) and ebook(ISBN 9781469606798) and pdf(ISBN 9798890882486)
Where can I buy Civic Myths online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Civic Myths from below
Where can I buy Civic Myths?