Arcadia England

To complement this year’s First Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) theme, Visions of London; War, DR. Nancy Rofoss delivered a discussion entitled "I too might serve my country": Depictions of WW1 in the Grace Harlowe Novels. The session provoked interesting discussions regarding topics including a non-stereotypical view of war, including views of women in war. Two FYSAE students that attended the discussion, Chelsea and Kayla, were struck by the encouragement and empowerment Grace Harlowe depicted in her novels.

Grace Harlowe demonstrated that it is entirely possible for a girl to retain her femininity while being simultaneously strong; in one example, the car which Grace had been driving was bombed and flipped over, but the first thing she asks for once help arrived is a mirror to check her hair and makeup. She inspired girls to defy their traditional roles and create new ones for themselves. Although I have not read any of the Grace Harlowe novels, I can imagine the positive impact they would have had on me and on my perspective of the role which I would play in society. It is encouraging to think that the series was created with the intention of reaching and empowering girls during their critical years as early as the beginning of the 20th century. – Chelsea R.

The discussion was both entertaining and enlightening. As an international studies major, I have always been interested in history and culture, which were two key points in the presentation. Dr. Rosoff’s lecture was both educational and engaging. I continuously found myself recalling the literature of my youth and how what I read contributed to my perception of historical events. I was particularly interested in the discussion that followed Dr. Rosoff’s lecture. I thought it was interesting that everyone had his or her own take on sexism in literature, including everything from Nancy Drew to the Harry Potter series or the Hunger Games trilogy. The notion of power as being separate from the notion of femininity struck a chord within me. Well after the discussion, I found myself pondering whether or not there can truly be a “feminine” character with power in popular culture, literature and otherwise. I look forward to investigating the relationship between “femininity” and power in the future, as this topic, especially in regards to historical literature. – Kayla .S.

The theme Visions of London; War, has ran throughout the Fall semester. Head over to the London Center Facebook page to see photos of other events.