English Literature & Creative Writing

Event Title

Entering the Artworld: The Authenticity of the Artworks of James Gatz, Evelyn Thompson, Theo Decker, and Briony Tallis

Presenter Information

Emily Krabach, Manchester University

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Subject Area

English Literature & Creative Writing

Start Date

10-4-2015 1:15 PM

End Date

10-4-2015 2:30 PM

Description

In the works The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Atonement by Ian McEwan, artworks present themselves in a variety of means not bound by the assumption of merely being paint on canvas. However, just as art in museums must be scrutinized and critiqued in order to confirm its authenticity as art, so too must these creations within literature. The artworks of the novels come under investigation not only by the characters within the text, but also by the readers of the text. Ultimately, the authenticity of the artwork can only be achieved when the viewers and readers of the piece discern that the art is valid and provide it with the distinguishing essence separating it from a mere object. This argument for the authenticity of art within these texts can be supported by the blending of the two theories The Artworld  by Arthur Danto, and The Death of the Author  by Roland Barthes. Through the application of these theories, both Jimmy Gatz and Evelyn are unable to create authentic works of art. Even The Goldfinch,  an already validated work, is unable to authentically exist as so once Theo discovers the wrapped package he carried was nothing more than a civics book. Ultimately, the only true work of art within these works of literature is that of Briony Tallis as her stories become valid creations through the belief and authentication via her family, law enforcement, and readers - both within and outside of McEwan's text.

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Apr 10th, 1:15 PM Apr 10th, 2:30 PM

Entering the Artworld: The Authenticity of the Artworks of James Gatz, Evelyn Thompson, Theo Decker, and Briony Tallis

Indianapolis, IN

In the works The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Atonement by Ian McEwan, artworks present themselves in a variety of means not bound by the assumption of merely being paint on canvas. However, just as art in museums must be scrutinized and critiqued in order to confirm its authenticity as art, so too must these creations within literature. The artworks of the novels come under investigation not only by the characters within the text, but also by the readers of the text. Ultimately, the authenticity of the artwork can only be achieved when the viewers and readers of the piece discern that the art is valid and provide it with the distinguishing essence separating it from a mere object. This argument for the authenticity of art within these texts can be supported by the blending of the two theories The Artworld  by Arthur Danto, and The Death of the Author  by Roland Barthes. Through the application of these theories, both Jimmy Gatz and Evelyn are unable to create authentic works of art. Even The Goldfinch,  an already validated work, is unable to authentically exist as so once Theo discovers the wrapped package he carried was nothing more than a civics book. Ultimately, the only true work of art within these works of literature is that of Briony Tallis as her stories become valid creations through the belief and authentication via her family, law enforcement, and readers - both within and outside of McEwan's text.