This week we read a Joyce Carol Oates story inspired by a Bob Dylan song. Earlier, I went to my bookshelves here in Mexicali and re-read the memoirs of these two legendary artists. Joyce used to find her writing “spirit” in running long distances; that’s right, not in the presence of brilliant professors or authors, but out on the road all by herself running through the landscape of her mind. (Did she run with headphones? I wonder.) In the early sixties, Bob took up drawing to put a little order in the chaos of his world. Critics of his work say he riffs with his brush strokes – music emerges from his painting. Different strokes for different folks.
This gave me an idea. If Joyce could draw inspiration from Bob’s music, could I encourage my students to connect their music with their writing? We discuss allegory in class. I asked my students to search for important meaning below the surface of their favorite music: Metalica, Lana Del Rey, Katie Perry.. I’ve asked them to write what they find. Below I share a David Bowie song that makes reference to a famous work of literature.
Here is what I think: over the years, our standardized classrooms have flattened and dulled student writing. Maybe it’s their music that can bring back a little color and shape to their ideas.
Leave a Reply