The Challenges of Mapping Literary Lagos
Steph Newell (Yale University) & Patrick Oloko (University of Lagos
Location: Austin 217 from 2-3:30pm
Like many other megacities in the Global South, the physical map of Lagos continuously morphs into new shapes as neighborhoods expand, and as streets and buildings are constructed and demolished. This talk will consider what "literary mapping" can contribute to the study of Global South cities, not least because the literature of Lagos buzzes with human and nonhuman traffic as fictional characters move through different parts of the city and journey through spirit worlds filled with extraordinary creatures. We will reflect on the challenges of writing about a literary city filled with gods as well as mortals, and where the attempt to pinpoint authors in specific locations continuously falls foul of the city’s shapeshifting nature and multilayered pasts. We will also think about the methodological challenges of writing for a general interest series with a "no theory" rule.
For more information, contact: Eleni Coundouriotis, English at eleni.coundouriotis@uconn.edu