CFP: Anti-Americanism in British Lit. (5/1/04; collection)

Please submit 250-word abstracts and 2-page vitae by May 1, 2004 for
a proposed collection on ANTI-AMERICANISM IN BRITISH LITERATURE.
Expressions of interest prior to deadline would be appreciated.

Anti-Americanism in British Literature:
Romantic, Victorian, and Modernist Views of America

On the surface it appears that the values of Britain would naturally
be promulgated in the United States. After all, the two countries
shared a language, a religion, and many cultural practices. It is no
coincidence that England was still called "Home" and the "Mother
Country" by many in the nineteenth (and even early twentieth)
century. But while Canada was the dutiful "Eldest Daughter of
Empire," the United States was the "Prodigal Son," who rebelled
against his parent to stand in direct competition with her. Such
disloyalty was particularly hurtful because America was perceived as
Britain's best and brightest "child."

As it became increasingly clear that England's world dominance was
being challenged by the young republic, writers discussing the rebel
nation were often pushed to take sides, though many retained mixed
feelings about the former colony. In fact, America appears in
countless British texts written in this period, sometimes merely
mentioned, sometimes explored more fully. While the United States
continued to be portrayed in literature as a land of plenty, a
country of vast riches and endless opportunity, it also came under
fire by authors who saw it as a nation of hypocrisy,
self-righteousness, violence, greed, and ill manners.

This collection will include essays that explore this sort of
anti-Americanism in British literature from the time of the colonial
revolt (i.e. American Revolution) through World War II. Contributors
may focus on any genre. Canonical and non-canonical authors/texts
alike are acceptable. Interdisciplinary approaches welcome. The
collection as a whole will analyze the nature of these negative
images of the United States and attempt to draw connections between
the paradoxical position of America as former colony and powerful
rival and the particular anti-American sentiment discussed in each
essay.

Send 250-word abstract and 2-page curriculum vitae to Diana Archibald
at either of the following:

Diana_Archibald_at_uml.edu

OR

Diana C. Archibald
Asst. Professor, English Dept.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
61 Wilder Street, Suite 3
Lowell, MA 01854

ABSTRACT DEADLINE: May 1, 2004

NOTIFICATION: May 15, 2004

FIRST DRAFT DEADLINE: July 15, 2004

-- 
Diana C. Archibald
Assistant Professor of English
Coordinator, Gender Studies Program
University of Massachusetts Lowell
61 Wilder Street, Suite 3
Lowell, MA 01854
tel (978) 934-4199
fax (978) 934-3097
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