Fall 2015
Re:Views
Write Only What You Want to Write: Interview with Laura Dockrill and Filip Krajník Edinburgh Student Fleming & Bond: Housing Co-operative The Secret Agent Story Tento projekt vznikl za finanční podpory a taktéž nemateriální pomoci Grantu TGM Spolku Dear readers, absolventů a přátel Masarykovy univerzity, Filozofické fakulty MU, Katedry anglistiky Contents a amerikanistiky FF MU, Brno Expat Centre, ESCape, Krmítka a Plánotisku. An academic year has gone by and here comes a brand new issue of Re:Views, our third so Subtitles ...... 4 - 6 This project was realized with financial as well as non-material help and support of TGM Grants far. Some things changed, some remained of Alumni and Friends of Masaryk University, Faculty of Arts MU, Department of English and the same, yet I am pleased to say we, as well Interview ...... 7 -16 American Studies FA MU, Brno Expat Centre, ESCape, Krmítko, and Plánotisk. as the whole project, keep moving forward. Write only What You We had to say goodbye to Bára Orlická, but Want to Write ...... 7 - 10 we also welcomed Tereza Walsbergerová as Works of Laura a new permanent team member. Some of our Dockrill ...... 11 - 12 external writers contributed again, couple Translating for Children new joined, and we are very glad to see that means Greater the whole project keeps growing, for which Responsibility ...... 13 - 16 a big thanks goes also to you, our readers! The underlying theme of the issue you just Illustrations ...... 17 - 20 opened is creativity which connects and brings together some of the core articles, Co-op Housing ...... 21 - 24 reviews, and interviews, turning the magazine into a playful and inspirational mixture of Bristol ...... 25 - 26 ideas. Moving from illustrations in literature, Creative Writing Contest, and perks of being Canada ...... 27 - 29 a subtitler, through literary and film reviews, to the highlight of this issue - the interview Language and Content with Laura Dockrill and Filip Krajník, the creativity is truly omnipresent in the Fall Policing ...... 30 - 33 2015 edition. Editorial staff External Contributors Reviews ...... 34 - 43 Have you ever wondered what have the Markéta Šonková, editor in chief Lucie Horáková, Denisa Krásná, house-elves in common with their fellow Fleming ...... 34 - 37 Anna Formánková, chief of staff Zuzana Motalová, Pavla Nováková, Melissa Upton, wizards? How can an arrival - both fictional Martina Krénová, finances and web Tomáš Varga, Jan Zajíček and real – to a British university look like? Spectre ...... 38 - 41 Tereza Pavlíková, PR How can a creative conception of a book and Šárka Panochová, external staff coordinator Barbora Orlická, honorary member its artistic content influence you as a reader? Robert Olen Butler: Blanka Šustrová, editor And how about the new and eagerly-awaited Severence ...... 42 - 43 Tereza Walsbergerová, editor in waiting Katarína Gažíková, editing and quality check Bond movie? If you answered yes even to Štěpán Šonka, graphic design only one of the questions, then you are in CWC ...... 44 - 49 the right place. Purgatory ...... 44 - 47 Unless stated otherwise, contributions in the magazine do not necessarily express opinions of the entire editorial staff, external contributors and staff, sponsors, partners and patrons, Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Arts, or Masaryk Dive in, like the mermaids in one of Laura’s University. Neither does the magazine wish to act as an official medium for communicating opinions of the above mentioned subjects. works, or go fearlessly ahead like Ian Fleming Wendigo ...... 48 - 49 Authors of the particular articles and pieces are solely responsible for their content. Unless stated otherwise, the magazine does not own and his Bond. Either way, have fun, because any of the pictures or photographs; their authors or owners are always credited. The magazine is a non-profit project. that is what it is all about! AWC ...... 50 - 51
It is believed that usage of low-resolution images for scholarly, commentary, criticism, research, and the like purposes qualifies as fair On behalf of the Re:Views team, KAA ...... 52 use. We used all the book covers with this in mind and credited all the respective authors. Markéta Šonková editor-in-chief Cover picture and permission to use it was kindly provided by Laura Dockrill, photo credit Dhillon Shukla. 4 Subtitles Subtitles 5
who can retime the subtitles for you. But unless but somehow don’t feel they should or can make one wants to turn into the pain in the neck, it is subtitles. So they lounge around the subtitling When the Videos Speak to essential to conquer the technology. It’s not only forums and websites, sometimes giving (often retiming, but also encoding, frame speed, or special unsolicited) advice to the translators and basically You, but Not to the Others: characters. Even though it might seem intimidating waste their talents. The reaction they get fairly often The Subtitler’s Struggle at first, once conquered, conquered forever. is: “Why don’t YOU do it, then?!” Then it is only a matter of patience, long battery life of all the devices used, and a successful upload on Sensible Subtitle Makers By Anna Formánková the website. As for that matter, always follow the People who have the language skills and take instructions, it’s all there. Even if it seems tricky, the on translating projects matching their abilities. Please do not take the following article too seriously. I was not that serious writing it. website will guide you. And it would be a waste of Sometimes they make a mistake, either in the There are moments in life when a video, film or a TV series needs to be seen. Not just by those who can speak all that hard work if you did not manage to share translation or in the technical matters. They can the language, but by everyone. Those are the moments when the brilliance of the writing, and on-point jokes and the results with the world. And nobody wants that also get really angry, both with themselves and arguments have to be shared. With family, friends, enemies, that whiny neighbour who is never happy about to happen. (Save for the competition – but who the people who dared to point out the flaws (but anything and hates your dog with passion... EVERYONE. One person is hardly able to create a fully-fledged series wants them to win? Not you.) mainly with themselves – for allowing the mistakes dubbing. Subtitles are, therefore, the way to go in order to widen the audiences of the piece. So one simply goes to happen). They mostly accept the comments and and brings the video to life in another language through a brand new, shiny set of subtitles. And yet... FORGET THE OTHERS, JUST DO IT try to improve their work based on the feedback (which can be sometimes really infuriating and DO IT DESPITE TECHNOLOGY the English (grammar) nazi and nail it yourself? Of As amazing a translator as you might be, once you patronising). course you can. Translating skills are the essential delve into the waters of the community, you will Of course you can search the vast lands of Internet ability of a good translator and subtitle maker; inevitably have to come into contact with the rest As a rational human being who wants to do the to find subtitles made by somebody else. But is that however, if the subtitler can’t get along with the of the translating world dwellers. No matter how work well, prosper in the community for a longer the challenge? Is that it? After years of studying specialised programme, that is where the process brilliant you are, there is no way around it. Then period of time or even plan on a career in subtitling, English at university, can’t you just use your skills of ends. Of course there can be another person you should get familiar with the several groups of you should find yourself in the last group. If you people in the subtitling field: are not interested in subtitling whatsoever, please disregard all of the abovementioned classification. Self-Proclaimed Masters of English However, you might find it handy as subtitling is They think they are perfectly skilled (even basically a metaphor of life. You can disregard this though they are not) and happily start ruining comment as well, nevertheless, one day you might any audiovisual work they fancy. This group then need the subtitling metaphor in your life, but it divides into people who can accept criticism and won’t be there. either build on it or stop subtitling; and into those who ignore any advice and keep on disfiguring the As it has been said above, if the subtitles are to poor videos, being rude to those who mean well be shared with the world it is inevitable to come and who ask them – the so-called translators – to into contact with other people in the community. stop the torture. Though chiefly online, one should at least strive not to make enemies – basically, not to get into Rude Jon Snows the forum/website admins’ bad books. They are They know nothing of the harsh life of a subtitle the ones that can turn the upload cloud into a fiery maker and they think that translating is super hell: pulling the subtitles, making up reasons for quick and easy, and that those who can’t give not accepting them, cancelling your holy grail of them 900-line subtitles in six hours are wimps who automatic authorisation (and nobody wants to lose are just buggering about all day. Scarily enough, that privilege). As for the rest of the community these individuals sometimes evolve into the type (see typology above), it is inevitable to crash into mentioned above. people who will make one see red, for example when they – following the discussion on whether or
Even though the ‘Subtitle Edit’ programme might seem a bit complicated it is actually quite easy to work with as it features many useful tools, such as audio “I Would Prefer Not to” aka Backseat Drivers not to use the book translation in a TV adaptation – waveform add-on or a format converter. People who have the necessary language skills, crash all the arguments by insisting on the dogmatic 6 Subtitles Interview 7
status of the book translation, because the book Glossary was first. One might try arguing, which could be the reason why Shakespeare’s works have been Write Only translated several dozen times, but it usually isn’t subtitler: the translator and subtitle maker in one worth it. It’s always better to leave it alone. Shout person What You Want to Write at the screen for a bit and then delete the comment by Martina Krénová right away as such are the uploader’s powers and retiming: adjusting the timing of subtitles according edited by Blanka Šustrová privileges. to another version of the video which might differ in frame speed and editing (e.g. forced commercials DO IT FOR THE BETTER WORLD which get cut out differently). That is a whole new Such are the words of Laura Dockrill who was kind enough to spare a few minutes to answer our questions. level of a subtitling challenge, for that part, translating Writing is only one of her many accomplishments as she is a woman of numerous talents; apart from being an There are only few things in the world of an is the easiest thing. author, Laura is also a performer and an illustrator. Laura’s works cover various genres, diverse characters, but English major that are worse than automatic video they all have a few things in common: a creative spirit and an empathy towards all the heroes and heroines, caption. And one of them is badly done, man- technology: to start translating/creating subtitles you whether feisty of insecure ones. It is not difficult to find yourself in any of her works, because even though her made subtitles. Sometimes they are not just wrong, only need the video for which the sub(title)s are to be characters come from different worlds, they all have quite ordinary struggles. And when Laura starts to perform they turn evil. Pure evil. We all know that YouTube made and a specialised subtitling programme; there poems, the rhythm of her performance draws you in. Whether you are an aspiring artist or “just” a reader, she meant well when they decided to have a machine are many free or open source programmes, such as has the power to reach and inspire you. for the automatic caption, to capture the words Subtitle Edit or Subtitle Workshop. said out loud in the videos. Their subtitler is just You are a writer, an illustrator and a performance we would spend months at a time learning about a programme, an artificial creation which does not website: there are many various websites where the poet; tell us, where and when did it all start? Steven Berkoff or The Beatles or David Lynch. possess the human brain powers. subtitles can be stored and shared, some of them Absorbing ourselves entirely in the work and way of focus on TV and films as such and the subtitle I have written, performed and drawn since a very thinking of those free thinkers. That is an amazing However, if a real person, a being that should be section is included to supplement their services young age, it has always been a second nature for way of schooling and inspiration. educated and have the capacity and/or a conscience, me to play, create, make, show off… whether that chooses to impose their misinterpretations on automatic authorisation: depending on the website, be stories, art, theatre. I am only truly happy when © Laura Dockrill; Corgi ,Transworld Publishers, The Random House Group an innocent TV series episode, drag it through subtitles can be either uploaded without any previous I have a creative outlet of some kind bubbling away the mud and ditch it among the other disfigured control, or – to ensure a certain standard – the nicely. I guess the performance poetry was the first bodies of their damaged fellows... Dante’s account server administrators provide a pre-upload check, time I began doing for a real life job, calling my of Hell lacks the description of a circle appropriate assessing the quality of the file. Verified translators art “work”. for these people. As the piles of subtitles maimed who consistently upload high-quality subtitles can by such inconsiderate individuals get bigger and then receive the privilege of automatic authorisation: bigger, there is no other way than to step in and their subtitles are uploaded automatically without Growing up is very hard, it is easy to feel save those that have managed to evade the torturers’ any previous check needed like you have to fit in and tempting to attention. imitate and not want to stray from the uploader: the person who uploads the subtitles on norm for safety and security and fear When the feelings of despair over a ruined TV the website, it does not necessarily has to be the series add up to all the above mentioned, the subtitles’ author. Sometimes translators and subtitle of being judged. force that drives one to stand up for the abused makers cooperate, the former translating the actual audiovisual works is immense. But it’s not only the text and the latter turning it into a working subtitle subtitle messiah complex. You want all those who file and uploading it on the Internet. Also, as sad as Did The Brit School of Performing Arts influence otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy the piece, have it is, your subtitles can be even (re)uploaded without your creativity in any way? the chance to judge for themselves. Of course you your knowledge, either with or without giving you are showing off your skills, but they are needed for proper credit. Yes, I found the Brit school hugely influential. the translation to be a good one, right? At the end Mostly I felt encouraged to know there were others of the day, you create the subtitles to widen the automatic video caption: YouTube video special that responded in the same way that I did to art audiences of the film or the TV series and make function; when the subtitles are not provided for the and making. It gave me confidence in myself to the world a tiny bit more cultivated place. Because video, their automatic programme tries to capture take risks and be brave as we discovered new artists a bit of a nice translation never hurt anybody. the spoken word, more or less successfully. and celebrated established ones, too. For example, 8 Interview Interview 9
In one of the interviews I heard you say that Roald What gave you the idea to write the Darcy Burdock find lines coming out and go with it. It is fun and from the norm for safety and security and fear of Dahl is your ultimate favourite author; is there one series and when writing it, did you go back to your relaxing. being judged. I hate that. It is completely terrifying book that you like the most? And what exactly about own diaries for inspiration? that people quash their identities and uniqueness his writing did you as a child find so inspiring and What are your thoughts on the Italian cover of the to be like everybody else. Individuality should be captivating? No, I didn’t go back to any old diaries - HA! first Darcy Burdock book? Do you think that it lacks celebrated, it is what makes our planet so special. They are all in the bin! (joking) But I got the idea the essence of Darcy’s spirit? because I wanted to create a feisty female lead that Ugly Shy Girl and Mistakes in the Background It is completely terrifying that people was just doing her own thing. Darcy is opinionated No, I absolutely adore the Italian cover. I think they have an unusually arranged text that looks playfully quash their identities and uniqueness and passionate, but she makes errors and that’s have done a gorgeous job. It’s different from mine, chaotic. What is the reason for it? to be like everybody else. really important in a protagonist, especially for but special and beautiful. children, that they are relatable. I also wanted to I wanted to create books that were special, secrets create a character that was passionate about their and nuggets of magic exploding everywhere on I had the first Darcy Burdock book with me at my the page. At the time I used to work like that, Yes, The Big Friendly Giant is probably my all time friend’s and gave it to her 12-year-old sister who, even just as home for no reason making birthday favourite, but it is so hard to choose. I love the after finishing the book, just took out a notebook and cards for friends etc, I was developing my own Big Friendly Giant’s character so much. I find him a pen and started writing. Was it your intention to style, finding my voice I guess, playing around charming and kind, I love that he doesn’t change create something that would inspire young girls to and experimenting. And I had an amazing editor, his values to fit in. He does his own thing. It’s be creative? Claire Bord at Harper Collins, who was constantly a beautiful and reassuring story but you still get the encouraging me to be brave. ugliness and wickedness of the giants to counteract That’s absolutely lovely! I am so glad to hear that. I love the way Dahl doesn’t patronize his that. It wasn’t a deliberate intention but I guess readers, doesn’t change his approach to the text anybody being inspired by something you’ve made Individuality should be celebrated, it is and language or content whether he is writing for is wonderful to hear and really special. I would love what makes our planet so special. adults of children. He had an amazing imagination, if it inspired young people to pick up a pen and a dark sense of humour and always managed to have the confidence to write. polish everything off nicely with a moral. Ugly Shy Girl is a story of a girl being picked on for What advice would you give to aspiring writers? being different and out of nowhere a murder happens. What other authors influenced your childhood and What inspired you to give it such a twist? how? I would tell all aspiring writers to never give up. To write only what you want to write - don‘t focus That short story is a delicate piece of work that is Spike Milligan, Sylvia Plath, John Cooper Clarke, on the reader too much because you will have no fictional. I was finding a writing voice with this piece, Edward Lear, Ernest Hemingway, Jaqueline control over who finds your writing. To share as it was the longest story I had ever written and I was Wilson, but most recently I love food writers. Nigel much as possible. To get feedback from as many exploring with form and language. I wouldn‘t say it Slater and Marina O’Loughlin are my absolute different places but take all with a pinch of salt. was a twist, it‘s revenge, an outburst. favourites. To let yourself make mistakes and don‘t punish yourself. To try and idea out even if you‘re unsure Darcy likes colours, in Lorali there are the beautiful Darcy Burdock is not an ordinary child, she has of it - be experimental and brave. tapestries that define the mermaids. You are often a very vivid imagination and she writes poems and © Cinzia Sileo, Fanucci Editore seen to wear colourful clothes and make-up. What short stories. Did you as a child keep a diary and A lot of your characters are a bit different from the are your favourite colours and why? What do they write stories and poems as well? rest of the world they live in, in Darcy Burdock there represent for you? art, proud of it. Darcy is mostly just me though. is this beautiful poem about being different. Are Yes, absolutely. I don’t think diaries are really that Although I wish I was more like her. you trying to send out a message to your readers My favourite colour is sparkles. I cannot describe healthy because although cathartic, I find them How important do you find the illustrations to be to embrace their difference and not be afraid to be how I feel about colour because it is much more miserable and ploddy, they often highlight the when creating your work? Is it something not to be who they are? internal but I know I have a strong relationship with negatives - it is nice to live your life rather than separated from the narrative? colour, light, shadow and it inspires all my work analyzing and investigating it the entire time. Most definitely. I think it is a must. Growing up greatly. Thanks for saying nice things about my work. Doing something creative, for me, was a much I just draw. I always have done. I don’t think too is very hard, it is easy to feel like you have to fit Lorali is a beautiful story for young adults featuring more productive form of expression. much about it, I just pick up a pen sometimes and in and tempting to imitate and not want to stray mermaids. Why mermaids? 10 Interview Interview 11
I am obsessed with the bizarre and strange, tales. I enjoy to collide the beautiful with the ugly, I wanted to make a fairytale lead female that was growing with death and fear with comfort. I am not prepared to buckle under pressure and had to influenced by writers such as Angela Carter and Works of Laura Dockrill be beautiful and alluring but I’m not much up for Roald Dahl where there is often a juxtaposition of your regular princess, she had to be weird and odd, good and bad, joy and terror. I wrote a very long by Martina Krénová so I stuck a tail on her! I love the sea and have spent time ago so it‘s hard to say which story I bonded lots of time in Hastings over the last ten years, I’ve with the most but I think “Gutted” is probably my gotten to know it and wanted to give the seaside favourite because a young artist illustrated the Mistakes in the Background Ugly Shy Girl town a heartbeat. The story just started writing story for me for a school project and she did it so itself, at first I thought it was something I’d just try beautifully it made me love the work even more. After the book was published, Laura Dockrill quickly Published in 2009, it is a story everyone knows, of but before I knew it I was building a world. She completely elevated it. gained a place among the top ten talented authors of a girl bullied for being different. But unlike many, 2008. The book combines a unique style of writing she gets her revenge. The book is a combination Lorali is quite different from Darcy Burdock. How Your works have been translated into a few languages. and an artistic collage of her own illustrations of the omniscient narrator with diary entries and was the process of writing different? Was it more Do translators contact you? How often? Do you enjoy with clippings, various papers, labels, and even illustrations as well. challenging, putting mermaids and modern pop working with them? Do you find it important? shoelaces that inspire to be creative. The narrative culture together? is very funny, witty and honest. Wears the Trousers My Czech translator Filip Bul Krajnik is absolutely magazine describes the book as “an absolute treat Yes, they are different, Darcy has become such amazing, checking things and trying to do a great …it’s about pure, old-school imagination and art. a comfort blanket for me now, I could write in her job. Obviously, Darcy has her own tongue and The poetry shines with playful juvenilia, discussing speaks in her own style which very much relies on everything from childhood memories and sibling her “darcy-isms” and some of these are very British feuds to croissants, robots and opinionated inanimate I enjoy to collide the beautiful with the in reference and tone, relying on puns or jokes or objects. It often runs like stream-of-consciousness ugly, growing with death and fear with sounding words or rhyme so I didn’t even think prose, and is both articulate and wildly creative. The the books would sell around the world, because passion that has created this work is evident in every comfort. the voice of Darcy is so personal to her and the sentence and illustration.” book itself is character lead; I feared it would isolate readers outside of the UK, but it has been totally for years and getting my head around the three overwhelming to know that the book is printed into voices was challenging at times, sometimes their languages that I can’t read! That is funny. So yes, it voices were sounding seamlessly similar so I had to is a must that a translation can adapt your work, define them and embody them. I guess writing the make the jokes and voice of a character translate. seas opinion was a brave leap of faith that I really I feel very lucky. wasn’t sure if it would work or not. I wanted to just be playful and imaginative. It is very hard building Are you working on a new book right now? a world from scratch, too, as you can write yourself Yes, a new Darcy Burdock, a fifth book in the series. into a corner. The pop culture references actually And something else which is a secret. were the easy bit, it is creating moral laws and a society under water that is a challenge. And also You are also a performance poet. I have seen a few © Laura Dockrill, HarperCollins working with so many characters. of your performances on YouTube and I love listening to you because you bring them to life. Echoes Echoes is a collection of 26 retold modernized You seem to enjoy it very much. What do you like fairytales that is disturbing, horrifying, at times even more, performing or writing? This darkly humorous and terrifying collection of 26 darker than the brothers Grimm fairytales, yet very I don’t really “perform” so much these days. But stories, either modern-day or retellings of the classics, amusing. Where does it all come from? And which when I read I love it just as much as I always did… will leave you with a range of emotions, from being one is your favourite? and I’m always performing anyway - every day in scared through disgust to amusement. The stories my own little way. are full of wit, energy, charisma with, once again, I am fascinated with the macabre. I love dark illustrations that complement the atmosphere of the writing and have been heavily influenced by classic © Laura Dockrill, HarperCollins narrative. 12 Interview Interview 13
Translating for Children Means Greater Responsibility An Interview with Filip Krajník, the Czech Translator of the Darcy Burdock Series
by Martina Krénová edited by Blanka Šustrová
You are the translator of Laura Dockrill’s Darcy translating books for adult readership? Burdock series. Why did you choose to translate
© Laura Dockrill, HarperCollins, a series for pre-teen girls? Tell us the backstory. It wasn’t too easy and I’m still not sure whether I’ve © Laura Dockrill; Corgi ,Transworld Publishers, The Random House Group succeeded or failed. But, on the other hand, every © HotKeyBoooks Actually, it wasn’t me who made the choice. I’d love book is difficult in one way or another and you Laura Dockrill to say that the book chose me or something like always have to put some extra effort into your work Darcy Burdock series that to create a bit of cheap dramatic effect, but the in order to translate it properly. The aim is always truth is that I was chosen by the Czech publisher. to produce a piece of writing that looks as if it had A pre-teen book series narrated by a 10, soon-to- More than two years ago, I stopped by the offices of been originally written in the language, not showing be-11, year old girl about her daily struggles at home Argo publishing house in Prague to discuss some any signs of it being “just” a translation (although and school that anyone can relate to. Darcy is a very translation I was doing for them at the time and the readers, of course, know they’re not reading creative and observant young lady who learns that decided to make use of the opportunity and say hi to the original words by the author, which is part of some people might not be as bad as they seem at Alena Pokorná, the editor in chief of Argo’s children’s the game). But, as I said, this particular book was first and who puts her own experience and wild department. She has an absolutely wonderful office in not an easy one. I had to come up with a believable imagination on paper. Together with Laura Dockrill’s the attic of the building, with many bookshelves filled language for a ten-year-old girl, conveying her inner illustrations it is a perfect read for the whole family. Photo by Dominika Sirná, 2015 with children’s books – one of the most beautiful world and most private thoughts in a convincing Laura Dockrill is an English writer, illustrator workplaces I’ve ever seen. I don’t actually remember way so that Czech girls could relate to her. But when Lorali and performance poet. She attended The Brit what happened there, but I do recall myself leaving reading Laura’s novel and trying to figure out how School of Performing Arts in Croydon where Alena’s office about half an hour later with a little to achieve this, a miracle happened: I realised that Published earlier this year, Lorali merges two she other creatives such as Kate Nash and blue book with some weird girl and a sheep on the Darcy Burdock cannot simply be labelled as a book worlds; a modern world with the one of the sea and Adele. Laura likes performing of any kind; cover which I promised to translate without actually solely for young girls. You know, Darcy doesn’t fight mermaids. The tale of a modern day teenage boy from performing at different festivals such as having read a single word of it. When I arrived home, dragons or evil magicians in order to be a strong child discovering a naked mermaid, a princess escaping Glastonbury and Latitude to reading stories and I opened the book and after a couple of pages my protagonist with whom her readers could identify; her world, on the shore offers narrative voices not poems for children. She loves children literature thoughts were like, “Oh my God! I’ve just made the instead, she faces very real, everyday dilemmas we and lists Roald Dahl among her favourite only of the two very relatable protagonists, but also biggest, fattest mistake in my life! I can’t translate this have all struggled with at some point, no matter authors and her influences. Her early works of the Sea who describes the history and politics of Mistakes in the Background, Ugly Shy Girl and – this is a book for GIRLS. Narrated by a girl. Who whether we were boys or girls or ten or twenty. The the world under water that will leave you desiring to Echoes, where she combines writing with her is ten and paints her fingernails different colours. details might be different, but the big questions are be a mermaid or a pirate.The two worlds put together own illustrations, earned her a placement among And yes, she’s totally CRAZY!” But then I learned always the same. They are of universal value. Darcy result in creating a story about family, friendship, and the top promising authors. She is currently that Darcy, the book’s eponymous narrator, hated behaves like a real person, not an artificial construct: falling in love any young adult can relate to. writing the fifth book of the Darcy Burdock mushrooms – which I despise as well – so I decided she copes with the world around her the best way she series for pre-teen children. Her most recent to give it a try. (Laughs.) can and yes, she is often wrong and frequently makes Sources: book is Lorali, a novel for young adults where mistakes. But that only makes her a human being like http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/9780007300594/mistakes- the world of mermaids and the sea merges with What is it like to translate books narrated by a young everyone else. I was surprised by how easily I myself in-the-background our modern culture. girl for young girls? Does it take you longer than could relate to Darcy’s – sometimes wholly confused, 14 Interview Interview 15 stubborn, mistaken or even selfish – thinking. For children’s rhymes, but must make them a testimony Although I could tell you who originally translated I spent the sabbatical week before my grammar instance, there was a passage about friendship in of someone whose world is falling apart and who which sections, we both copiously contributed to school finals reading the first four books instead book two which almost exactly reflected my thoughts puts everything into her writing. the other’s parts so I don’t think you can actually of studying), even briefly having my own Internet about my own life at the point when I was translating attribute any individual bit of the book to any of website devoted to the series, and I came across it. When I realised who Darcy was and what she was You translated the second book in the series in us. Plus there were cases when we collaborated this little book which included a character – the trying to tell her readers, it became a sheer pleasure a tandem with Michaela Večerková. How did it from the very beginning: for instance, Michaela strict, book-loving “Professor Granger” – who was to me to be her interpreter for a Czech readership, influence the translation process? translated the “Dompy” story in Chapter Five, said to have been one of the possible inspirations despite all her oddities and my lack of first-hand leaving the word “Dompy” itself to me to translate for Hermione Granger (which I really doubt). So experience of being a ten-year-old girl. (Laughs.) Significantly. Michaela was a student of translation into Czech. However, a careful reader will see that when I was about twenty, I think, I translated the at the University of Olomouc back when I was Darcy’s language in book two is a bit different from whole Frindle into Czech and submitted it as the Laura Dockrill’s Darcy Burdock writes short stories teaching there in the English Department. I gave that of book one: whereas when working on the first final project at a translation seminar here at the and poems. What are the translation perks you came her the typescript of my translation of the first Darcy book on my own, I had no real system in terms of department, where I was then an undergraduate across in this series? to read just before I submitted it to the publisher, Darcy’s register and slang and mostly improvised, student. Sadly, no publishing house was interested and she suggested some last-minute changes and for book two, Michaela and I agreed on precise in the book as the genre of the school-story was Well, there were many both little and huge things. told me that Darcy was “her kind of girl”. So when rules of how to render certain things into Czech, not very strong here at the time. Perhaps I should First of all, I had to decide how Darcy would speak: Argo bought the second Darcy book, I asked her so I would say that the language of Hi So Much is try it again if I find the typescript in my old floppy the codified, standard Czech, which would sound whether she would like to collaborate on it with me somewhat more consistent. Plus, Michaela and I are disk collection. (Laughs.) The first children’s book somewhat unnatural in the mouth of a child, or and she said yes. We took half of the chapters each from Silesia and Central Bohemia respectively, two translated by me that got published (actually, it was the colloquial, “common” form of the language, and translated our parts, continuously giving each very different regions in terms of their dialects, so we again in a tandem with another translator, this time which some might consider odd when printed on other our passages for comments and suggestions. had to find a compromise about some things which paper? Not to mention all of Darcy’s “worserer” and we would both be comfortable with. But, most of all Oh my God! I’ve just made the biggest, “upsetted” words, as well as her neologisms (such as – although I tried to be as “girly” as possible in book mermaid + marmalade = “mermalade”, of course). one (actually, to my surprise, I received an e-mail fattest mistake in my life! I can’t And what about all those references to particular from a reader praising precisely this aspect of my translate this – this is a book for GIRLS. brands of products, TV shows and VIPs, well-known translation) – collaboration with a female translator, in Britain but obscure or totally unknown here? and such a talented one, brought a much needed my step-sister) was A Fistful of Cherries by Matthew (Darcy is a very British book, on both obvious and feminine element both into the translation process Nicholls. Some years ago, Matthew taught at our less obvious levels: this is just one example.) Should and the final text. department and, in 2005, he directed his own musical I have preserved numerous cases of alliteration, staged by the Gypsywood Players, in which I played which is typical of Darcy’s playful language (and Are there going to be translations of any other Laura the roles of a slightly (well, massively) demented the English language and literature in general) but Dockrill’s works? director of NTSPAM (“Not The Secret Police Any which 90% of Czech children probably won’t spot More”) and secretary to the English Queen. After since Czechs are not used to it? Is the Head of Darcy’s That’s actually not my decision but I hopeDarcy rehearsals, Matthew and a few “most faithful ones” school in the first book male or female? (I had to ask Burdock is a success on the Czech market and Czech usually stopped by a KFC restaurant (which is no Laura in this case). And, of course, all those stories- readers will be given the opportunity to enjoy more longer there, by the way) and talked about various within-the-story were a task of their own. When of her adventures. So far, there are four books in the things, including literature. At one point Matthew Darcy’s mum wipes her tears when she’s finished original series. A few weeks ago, I translated about mentioned that his children’s trilogy was better than reading “The Invisible Link” story at the end of book twenty pages from an older book by Laura (not from most bestselling fantasy novels for children at the two (which is a kind of mise-en-abyme of the whole the Darcy Burdock series) and sent it to the publisher, time, especially in terms of the delineation of the novel), it simply HAS to be a bit naive, but most asking them to consider buying it, so we’ll see. characters. I immediately asked him where I could sincere and moving at the same time, otherwise the buy it and he said that it hadn’t been published yet. readers wouldn’t believe the emotion. I’d say that What was the first children’s book you translated? So I asked whether I could translate it into Czech if book two is getting really serious in comparison with What did you learn from it? I found a publisher. He said yes – probably assuming book one: see, for instance, Darcy’s poem “You are that I’d never manage to find one. But eventually More than a Lamb to Me”, which she writes when she Actually, the first book for children I translated was I did, so I asked Matthew to send me the manuscript. has lost her pet lamb and, with her best friend having Frindle by Andrew Clements. I was a huge Harry But since, until the very last moment, he didn’t really abandoned her, has no one to share her sadness with. Potter fan in my late teens (the first Harry Potter believe that his book would actually get published, You can’t, as a translator, approach these lines as With Matthew Nicholls at A Fistful of Cherries signing event was published in Czech when I was eighteen, and he never sent me the entire novel but always just Photo Courtesy of David Konečný, 2010 16 Interview Illustrations 17 two or three chapters or so. So for several months should have been finished a long time ago); at the I was translating a story whose ending I did not know. beginning of next year, my translation of Philip K. And it’s a wonderful story, I have to say – about two Dick’s novel We Can Build You will be published with Illustration: sisters risking their lives to save the post-apocalyptic my afterword about women in Dick’s life and fiction. world from a disease caused by a global war. During I’ve also started working on my second Chaucerian Magic in the Books their adventure, Carrie and Persephone have to fight translation, The Legend of Good Women – a wonderful real pirates, motorcycle gangs, flesh-eating batmen – collection of nine stories about both historical and by Zuzana Motalová but, most importantly, human maliciousness, greed, mythical virtuous women, perhaps written for Anne selfishness and their own prejudices (especially the of Bohemia, the first wife of the English King Richard older one, Carrie). Matthew did not manage to find II. Plus there’re a couple of books which I would like to Have you ever wondered what is the connection between the text and the images accompanying it? Between the an English publisher as he already lived in the Czech translate in the near future if I have time and if there’s author and the illustrator? If the authors illustrate their own work or if they ask someone to do it for them? Whether Republic when completing the story, so the translation a publisher for them. So translating children’s books they have any say in what their characters and worlds they created shall look like when transformed into visual is, in fact, the first and only edition of his work so far. is and will always be my pleasure, but admittedly not media? In her article, Zuzana Motalová addressed these exact questions in connection with literatures in English. I hope that the book gets published in England one the only one. day (it would deserve it) and that I get the opportunity Opening a book reminds me of treasure hunting. publishers are always on the hunt for new illustrators, to translate the sequel(s) as well. Although I would While reaching for the content, no one can be sure so the most important rule is to never give up and probably approach Cherries differently today, since Filip Krajník what is to be found inside – even if you already know work on your skills along the way. When you finally I wasn’t really a mature translator when working on the text. There is so much more of what makes the receive the chance you have been waiting for, it is the novel (the book was published in 2009, but most book into what it is: the type of paper, the choice of only the starting point. Your first job may also be of the actual work was done between 2005 and 2008), the font... and its illustrations. A good illustration your last job as publishing companies may decide it was a wonderful experience, one of the milestones has the potential to complement the simple meaning that choosing you was a mistake. And then there is of my translating career. of the text and elevate what was originally only the work itself. Artists hardly ever get the choice of a written message to a new level. Despite that, Do you like translating books for children or do you illustrations are often disregarded by readers as prefer any other genre or particular author? a somewhat less important part of the book and the majority of contemporary fiction (except for Children’s books are, sadly, a kind of literature’s children’s books) has hardly any illustrations at all At King‘s Cross Station poor stepchild in many respects. There are not as Photo Courtesy of Mgr. Filip Krajník, PhD., 2005 – except for the occasional cover art. That, however, many translators willing to translate them as one does not make book illustrations unimportant Filip Krajník (b. 1982) obtained his PhD might think, and even fewer of the translators are at Durham University, UK in 2013 and and the work behind them is unlikely to be less actually good. By which I’m not trying to say that has been a Lecturer in British Literature at demanding than the work behind the text. The I’m necessarily one of the latter, I’m just stating the the Department of English and American journey to the career of an illustrator is a painful facts. However, whenever I’m translating a story for Studies in Brno since. He teaches courses on one and requires a lot of determination. In addition, children, I feel extra responsibility. I mean, every English medieval and Renaissance literature even professional illustrators often struggle to make translation has to be done properly, but when and literary translation; at the moment, he a decent living, thus dreaming of a cozy life is in you imagine a small child reading your text, you is working on an edited volume with the most cases rather naive. For many artists, illustrating automatically try harder, which makes this work working title Reading and Writing Dreams is only secondary and they cannot depend on it as a bit special. Maybe I’m wrong but I think that an and Visions in Medieval and Early Modern their main source of income. There is no recipe how England. He translates both fiction and non- adult can overlook a small mistake or clumsiness to become a successful illustrator and – as in most fiction books, as well as articles and short- from time to time, but children are much more stories for journals and magazines. His book crafts – successful does not always mean good. You demanding and unforgiving readers. But I also enjoy translations mostly include works of the usually start with a publisher. In the beginning, you translating other genres, of course. The problem is American science fiction author Philip K. need a portfolio of carefully selected illustrations to that I’m not a full-time translator – my main job Dick (e.g., The Divine Invasion, Deus Irae and send to publishing companies. Though, the hardest is teaching at the University and doing research – The Penultimate Truth), but he also translates part is to persuade at least one publisher to look at so sometimes I translate a book or two a year, but children’s novels (e.g., Matthew Nicholls’s your portfolio. As there are millions of illustrators, some years I don’t translate anything due to a lack A Fistful of Cherries and Laura Dockrill’s Darcy publishers are daily showered with their work, and of time. At the moment, I’m finishing a non-fiction Burdock) and medieval poetry (Geoffrey therefore it may take years before you are even Chaucer’s The Parliament of Fowls). book about the American secret services (which properly noticed, if you ever are. On the other hand, Cover of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit Art by Beatrix Potter 18 Illustrations Illustrations 19
meet an author with whom their relationship is utterly of choice – they cooperated well organized manner and originally planned to illustrate his books personally. He symbiotic, finishing each other’s thoughts and ideas. And very closely. Even in this case, Pratchett sometimes felt made a few illustrations, but was persuaded to leave such was the case of the late Sir Terry Pratchett and two that Kidby´s interpretation differed from what he had the job up to a professional and so the first edition of most famous of his illustrators: the late Josh Kirby and imagined. Pratchett claimed that this may have been due Alice in Wonderland (1865) entered the world with the Paul Kidby. Kirby made covers for Pratchett´s Discworld to the fact that his visual imagination failed to be detailed artwork of Sir John Tenniel4,3. Alice in Wonderland has series until his death in 2001 and his cover art was so been republished many times, featuring illustrations by specific that for many readers Kirby´s artwork equals many famous artists including Salvador Dalí. Despite Discworld. Pratchett himself sometimes disagreed with that, Tenniel´s illustrations remain the most popular Kirby´s interpretations, but nevertheless, he is known to and are regarded as a classic which proves that Carroll have said: “I... only invented the Discworld. Josh created made a good choice. it.“1 That is probably also related to the fact that Pratchett’s On the other hand, there are writers whose decision to view on illustration was a little bit different to that of take care of both the text and the illustrations results in many other authors and he liked to be surprised by the a true piece of art. When a talented British woman called imagination of others. Paul Kidby illustrated for Pratchett Beatrix Potter managed to have first of her little books – since 1995 and he started to paint the covers after Kirby´s The Tale Of Peter Rabbit (1902) – published, it was almost death. He was well acquainted with Josh Kirby and they like a miracle. What’s more, The Tale Of Peter Rabbit respected each other since Kirby believed that there is came out with her own illustrations which fitted the enough space for both of them in Pratchett´s books. There text so perfectly that they stand completely equal. Peter was also a difference in the way the author communicated Rabbit was quickly followed by more books and shortly, with them: while with Kirby, Pratchett was keeping in she became a huge success. Ever since, republishing her touch mostly by phone and the illustrator was often left books with different illustrations is out of the question. to work by himself, with Kidby – Pratchett´s illustrator As Beatrix Potter was very pedantic and guarded her books with the ferocity of a watchdog, she prevented her Neil Gaiman’s The Wolves in the Walls illustrated by Dave McKean publishers from doing any experimenting with the visual © Dave McKean; HarperCollins aspects. Thus, she became a role model for many others, enough which hints that Kidby had filled some empty especially in the area of literature for children. spots and completed Pratchett’s work1. Illustrating children’s literature is regarded as one of the Book cover Terry Pratchett’s Equal Rites, created by Josh Kirby. © Josh Kirby; Corgi ,Transworld Publishers, The Random House Group Perhaps even finer example of a quality cooperation most competitive within the area of illustrations and it is between author and illustrator is the one of Neil Gaiman exceedingly hard to satisfy not only the adults, but also what they illustrate; because the income is so low and Dave McKean. Gaiman works with a number of children whose wishes often differ significantly from and unsteady, repeated refusal of offers is way too artists and he seems to be on friendly terms with all of those of their parents. Of course, there are many other risky. That brings a lot of issues for the illustrator. them. Still, when you hear him talk about Dave McKean, types of illustrations and a number of possible ways to The most typical problem arises when it is clear that he definitely considers him his favourite categorize them, none of which is definite. One rule is one. And here is the situation somewhat similar to generally agreed on: there is children illustration and “the the artist and the author/publisher (depending on who Pratchett´s. When asked why he favours Dave McKean, rest”. “The rest” may be further divided into a variety of has the upper hand) do not share the same opinion on Gaiman replies: “... because he surprises me.”2 Dave subgroups. Some of the illustrations can be accepted as how the book should be visually presented. While the McKean has cooperated with Gaiman on many books rather distinctive, for example Josh Kirby´s covers for illustrator is supposed to be the expert in fine arts, the and graphic novels, and so it is hard to choose the best the Discworld series clearly belong to the category of author is the one who has written the text, and therefore, example. However, their fairy-tales, such as The Wolves fantasy illustrations. Artists who illustrate commented has better idea of what needs to be highlighted and how. in the Walls (2003), deserve special attention. Compared versions of the Bible or educational literature have to And, of course, the publisher has the money, which often to classical illustrators, Dave McKean is a mixed media follow the text very carefully. Perhaps even more peculiar means that the decision is theirs. The average illustrator specialist. He uses everything – fabrics, objects, copy- type is a satirical illustration which is in most cases made usually has to follow the wishes of the author and the printers, computers, and his own drawing skills and this by caricaturists and has the potential to stand rather publisher, even if he or she knows that the result will way shows the possibilities of modern technology in independently. be tasteless and will fail to impress the readers. Some illustration. In the beginning, I skipped any definitions on what the artists have their policy and are prepared to refuse the job Not everyone is lucky enough to meet someone who word “illustration” means. In fact, everyone who has when they feel that they would have to break it, but not Paul Kidby’s cover of Pratchett’s Snuff. satisfies their requirements and many writers, therefore, ever seen any book has an idea of what illustration is. everyone can afford to do so. Others are so lucky that they © Paul Kidby; Corgi ,Transworld Publishers, The Random House Group try to illustrate their work themselves. Even Lewis Carroll Although visual works are not here to be described by 20 Illustrations Co-op Housing 21 words, since they exist to provide immediate visual picture, illustrations live within the text they refer to. Zuzana Motalová They can help the reader to imagine what the text is about, Edinburgh Student Housing they offer explanations of messages written between the lines and as a result, they create the final effect of the Co-operative book. A bad illustration can influence the potential reader not to even read the book. A good illustration, on the by Denisa Krásná other hand, can magically open the door into the world of literature even to those who are not very inclined to reading any book at first. Truly like treasure hunting. UK housing crisis their own hands. The plan was to tackle the tricky housing situation themselves, and to demonstrate an Works Cited: Edinburgh, Scotland‘s stunning capital is a place alternative, radical vision for housing. In little over I now consider my second home. It is a city rich in a year, they managed to establish the 106 member 1. Alton, Anne Hiebert, and William C. Spruiell. history and a vibrant hub of international culture. Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, which “Cover Art.“ Discworld and the Disciplines Critical Nonetheless, like all British cities, Edinburgh is is now the city‘s cheapest student housing provider. Approaches to the Terry Pratchett Works. Jefferson, facing a crisis in housing – with students and young It is an entirely student-owned and student-run N.C.: McFarland &,, 2014. Print. people often at the forefront. democratic organization, in which every member When I visited Edinburgh in June 2014 to search for has one vote. Collectively, they manage the properties 2. Gaiman, Neil. “Neil Gaiman on Dave McKean.“Neil a summer festival job, it took me more than a month that make up their home, and in doing so, they foster Gaiman. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. to find a place to live. Being homeless at that point a vibrant community whose members equitably share did not pose too big a problem to me. I was filled responsibilities as well as the joys that it brings along. 3. “John Tenniel.“ Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. with enthusiasm, free from my studies, and, most Being free from landlords means taking control over Web. 1 Oct. 2015. importantly, I had no strings attached. For the typical your own living and acquiring new abilities, such as
Language and Quebec: the Fixation
by Melissa Upton
As language students, we are familiar with the impact that language has on cultures and peoples. We are fluent in how it has shaped history and continue to learn how it affects our own generations. As a resident who was born and raised in Quebec, I am no stranger to this ever growing conversation and have tried to capture if nothing but a brief portion of it below.
As a resident of Quebec, one quickly develops the Quiet Revolution and the October Crisis. an understanding of the tumultuous linguistic The Quiet Revolution was a momentous chapter history that has given shape to the province as it of political and cultural change amongst Quebec
Clifton Suspension Bridge, photo courtesy of Joe Dunckley, source flickr.com stands today. Language, explicitly that of French society, beginning with the provincial government and English, has been at the forefront of many high of Liberal Jean Lesage in 1960 and ending just shy of exaggerated but actually not that much. One of the a selection of these in one week, for example three profile discussions, laws, and political and artistic the October Crisis of 1970. It was a period in which many pieces of advice I have heard on how to keep lectures and a tutorial, or the unit consists of just movements within Quebec. This struggle that the Quebec government secularized the education up with this many extra-curriculars was: “Just don’t one two-hour seminar per week. Either way, books began as early as the 18th century with the desire system, introduced a Ministry of Social Affairs – do any work!” are read, topics are discussed and essays are written. for the recognition of the Francophone population which would go on to become the Ministry of Health Most of the lectures here are simply papers being and the reconstitution of governing affairs has and Social Services in 1985 – and mandated the All of these clubs and societies are joined together read, which may be a tad disappointing for someone, since developed into a battle between Canada’s two nationalization of the province’s electric companies, underneath the University’s Student Union. An but to give the lecturers credit, they nevertheless try nationally sanctioned languages. The progression resulting in the creation of Hydro-Quebec. organisation of an impressive size to say the least, to deliver their talks in an entertaining and engaging of which has seen Francophone Quebec call for but also a building of no smaller proportions just way. autonomy from Canada and what appears to be the The Quiet Revolution put in motion not only the a few minutes’ walk from the university. Apart from quieting, as well as the cooperation, of the Anglo and province’s journey towards economic autonomy, but a caffe, a theatre and a cinema hall it houses a great And finally, I have heard many stories of people who Allophone communities under the pretense of this its desire for political independence. number of seminar rooms, studies and all sorts of have fallen in love with Bristol, and I must admit being necessary for the preservation of the French other rooms used regularly by the societies. And, just that the city does have an irresistible charm. In some language and the history of Francophone Quebec. Soon after, the October Crisis took place involving in case you were wondering, there is a swimming ways it is actually similar to Brno, with around the numerous members of an organization known pool on the lower ground floor. same size and a large student population. Culturally as the FLQ. The Front de libération du Québec it is incredibly diverse and the range of events and Since the early 1900’s, Quebec (FLQ) was a separatist paramilitary faction who The university itself is a little town of its own, with activities is so broad it is hard to keep up with all the nationalism and the sovereignty coordinated upwards of 160 violent acts over the a number of buildings located on a hill in the very things happening. And when all of the buzz gets too movement have carried the French course of a seven-year time frame (~1963-1970). heart of Bristol. Some faculties have their own overwhelming, there is nothing nicer than taking language as their torch. It has been the The October Crisis involved the kidnapping of James buildings and some are dispersed across a number a stroll down the Harbourside or having a picnic Cross, the British Trade Commissioner, and Pierre of buildings, whether in a single complex or further in a park, whether it be in the University’s Royal driving force behind a multitude of Laporte, the Minister of Labour and Vice-Premier of down the road, very much like our Faculty of Arts. Fort Gardens or at such marvellous places as the historical events; some more recent and Quebec. This crisis lead to the government of Pierre Sadly only law students are lucky enough to have Clifton Observatory, overlooking the famous Clifton influential examples being the Quiet Trudeau calling for the first ever invocation of the lectures inside the famous Will’s Memorial Building, Suspension Bridge. Revolution and the October Crisis. War Measures Act during peacetime. but it is nevertheless possible for students to take a look around and admire the beautiful interior. To conclude in a rather imperative tone: please do go Pierre Laporte was later executed by the FLQ when on exchange trips, do try new things, do meet new Since the early 1900’s, Quebec nationalism and the their demands were denied, and after 62 days of After settling down you find out that the units people, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and, most sovereignty movement have carried the French captivity, James Cross was released following themselves are very much like at KAA. Classes importantly, don’t be afraid to become a lost child language as their torch. It has been the driving negotiations. The significance of this occasion range from very small tutorials and somewhat bigger as you are to find a whole new welcoming family. force behind a multitude of historical events; lies in the manner in which it contributed to the seminars to huge lectures. Sometimes a unit involves some more recent and influential examples being transitioning of support away from such violent and
A postal box in Montréal with FLQ oui (FLQ yes) graffiti, 1971. Photo by Harryzilber, commons.wikimedia.org 28 Canada Canada 29 radical measures and towards more political means. for the introduction of the referenda tactic. In of instruction from Kindergarten to Secondary addition to their shared goals, the Bloc Québecois school, a child may only receive instruction in Quebec nationalist and sovereignist sentiments have and the Parti Québecois were also likeminded in English if either of their parents is a Canadian since continued to make themselves present in most their consideration of Quebec’s relationship with citizen and they themselves received elementary every facet of daily provincial life, from political Canada post-separation. Both the Bloc and PQ instruction in English within Quebec. So long as parties, to the creation of laws and bills which go founders, Lucien Bouchard and René Lévesque, this comprised the bulk of their education. In 1982, on to touch fundamental areas such as those of recognized that Quebec would need to have some this was amended to be more tolerant by allowing education and business. sort of an association agreement with Canada if a child to be taught in English if the parent’s English Quebec expected to be successful in its newfound instruction was received anywhere in Canada. Politically, Quebec nationalism and sovereignty has independence. The economic uncertainty that this inspired the creation of parties at both the federal generated went on to play a defining role in Quebec’s On a corporate level, the Charter repurposed the and provincial level. At the federal level exists the second referendum held by the PQ during their time Office québecois de la langue français (OQLF) Bloc Québecois (the Bloc). The Bloc Québecois was as the elected provincial government in 1995. The by extending its responsibilities. The OQLF was vote surrounding this referendum brought forward established in 1961 by Liberal leader Jean Lesage a record-breaking turnout of 93.52% of the voting with the aim of prioritizing the French language Politically, Quebec nationalism and population, and was arguably the closest Quebec in Quebec. With the formation of the Charter, the sovereignty has inspired the creation has been to sovereignty with the deciding No votes OQLF was given the mission of enforcing all policies of parties at both the federal and totaling 50.58%. pertaining to the francization of corporations and of civil administration as one of its duties. The impact provincial level. The state of Quebec’s legislation is in direct association that Bill 101 and the OQLF had on businesses to the aforementioned political parties. The laws was that by the French language being mandated and bills that are most weighted with nationalist as the official language of the province, it was also founded in 1990 by Lucien Bouchard, the former inclinations are those proposed and implemented The "No" side's election sign. Photo by mandated as the language of labour relations, Hydro-Québec Building, Montréal. Photo by Jean Gagnon, cabinet minister for the Progressive Conservative under the governance of the Parti Québecois. The commerce and businesses. In recent years, the OQLF source: commons.wikimedia.org, somerights reserved government of Brian Mulroney. This federal party creation and application of bills such as Bill 101 is has been criticized for being overzealous and even aimed to give the province of Quebec a voice within a prime example. Bill 101 is officially instated as La oppressive in this undertaking, an example being the doings of Francophones born in Quebec. That the House of Commons and further the support charte de la langue française (the Charter of the making suggestions to restaurateurs that go so far there are centuries and generations that came before for an independent Quebec. Provincially, the Parti French Language). Camille Laurin, the Minister of as to recommend the change of the Italian use of them and that acceptance and growth is what has Québecois (the PQ) was created by René Lévesque Cultural Development, under the government of pasta on menus. made Canada and Quebec the wonderfully colourful around 1968 with the merger of the Mouvement the Parti Québecois, proposed this legislative piece amalgam of cultures they are today. There is nothing Souveraineté Association and the Ralliement in 1977. The Charter was intended as an expansion Looking back upon Quebec’s Francophone roots offensive or wrong with celebrating the French national. The PQ stood for Quebec’s independence to the Official Language Act, also known as Bill 22, and history to where it stands today, one is taken on language and the history it has here in Quebec, it is from Canada on all major platforms; economically, of 1974 that made French the official provincial Zorion a journey of high and low points. Plenty of changes entirely understandable. However, it is less evident politically and socially, and is also responsible language. Bill 101 is made up of six titles and two have been implemented that benefited Quebec why the promotion of one language and one culture schedules spanning topics from the status of the , source and righted past wrongs towards the Francophone mandates the oppression and dissolution of others. French language to punitive stipulations. Areas community, these are changes we as a province, and affected by the Charter are those such as education commons.wikimedia.org Canada as a country, can be proud of. Yet recently Note on the sources: and business. there have been paths and discussion forums for I used the Canadian Encyclopedia for any changes that one simply cannot support. Be it the information I needed - Bill 101 acts as a controller early on in provincial Quebec Charter of Values that the Parti Québecois http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/ life when it comes to determining which language attempted to implement, which would have infringed of instruction a child may and may not receive, and on and restricted basic human rights and freedoms. Melissa Upton by association, which schools they are able to attend. Be it the excesses that the Office québecois de la These conditions are written out in Chapter 8 of the langue français has taken when enforcing the French Melissa is a recent graduate from Concordia Charter of the French Language and are a part of the language. Or be it the anti-immigration comments University who completed her BA in Charter that has been revised to be more considerate which translates as Quebec-elitists worrying about Specialization in English Literature. Her of constitutional rights. Initially in 1977, the Charter the “pureness” of their province – failing to recognize main interests are the study of language and literature across history and cultures. mandated that other than French being the language that Quebec does not subsist as it is today solely by
Building of l'Office québécois de la langue française, Montréal (Quebec Board of the French Language). Photo by Chicoutimi, source commons. wikimedia.org, somerights reserved 30 Language and Content Policing Language and Content Policing 31
in mind that merely stating an argument might negatively affect the mental state of some students. Language and Content Policing on Schlosser claims that he “once saw an adjunct1 not US Colleges and Campuses get his contract renewed after students complained that he exposed them to “offensive“ texts written by Edward Said and Mark Twain.” Combined with the By Jan Zajíček brutality of the academic job market, this creates an atmosphere where professors fear for their jobs and If we ask Czech university students what their disagree with, you should have an argument with as a result they leave out the most important part of number one worry is when it comes to the university them, but you shouldn’t silence them by saying you the educational process – exposing students to ideas life, they will probably say something like “not failing can’t come because I’m too sensitive to hear what they might disagree with, Schlosser concludes. my exams” or “finishing school on time.” But the you have to say.” (qtd. in Ross) current situation is a bit different at US universities, Let us now look at a few examples of this supposed even President Obama touched on this issue in his What President Obama referred to is a very recent oversensitivity. At Rutgers University, several recent speech: trend; US college students started to go out of students requested that some books, including Jonathan Haidt, photo courtesy of TEDx MidAtlantic, source flickr.com their way to police language and content they find Virginia Woolf‘s Mrs. Dalloway or F Scott “I’ve heard of some college campuses where they don’t objectionable. Since June 3, 2015 a Vox article titled Fitzgerald‘s Great Gatsby, be labeled with so called Yorker, in which she describes how she deals with want to have a guest speaker who is too conservative, “I‘m a liberal professor, and my liberal students “trigger warnings” designed to warn students from a similar situation when she teaches rape law. Students have claimed that discussing rape law might be “triggering” and for that reason some Not being confronted with ideas we have asked her not to include rape law on exams, might find upsetting, unmerited or even because, as a consequence of invoking traumatic triggering robs students of the ability memories, some students might perform less well to see the world from other people’s on the exam. When a debate on sexual assault on campus took place at Brown University, a journalist perspective and thus make them and author Judith Shulevitz reports that for anyone unprepared for dealing with differing who would feel “triggered” by the debate, volunteer opinions outside the safe environment students put up a “safe space,” which was a room of the university. “equipped with cookies, coloring books, bubbles, Play-Doh, calming music, pillows, blankets, and a video of frolicking puppies, as well as students and discomforting content, i.e. “The examination of staff members trained to deal with trauma.” suicidal tendencies in Mrs Dalloway may trigger painful memories for students suffering from self- But President Obama was not only talking about harm” (Wythe). At Columbia University, students students being overly sensitive. He specifically have called for the removal of Ovid’s Metamorphoses mentioned that they are silencing those they from the classes curricula, because “like so many disagree with. Student protests and petitions against texts in the Western canon, it contains triggering and inviting certain commencement speakers, honorary offensive material that marginalizes student identities degree recipients, or guest lecturers are not limited in the classroom,” and “These texts, wrought with to controversial figures like former Bush cabinet Greg Lukianoff, photo byGage Skidmore, source flickr.com histories and narratives of exclusion and oppression, member Condoleezza Rice, head of I.M.F. Christine or they don’t want to read a book if it had language terrify me” has been circulating the internet. It has can be difficult to read and discuss as a survivor, Legarde, or a writer and a critic of Islam Ayaan that is offensive to African Americans or somehow become a viral hit with almost 300 thousand shares a person of color, or a student from a low-income Hirsi Ali. Even a liberal comedian Bill Maher got sends a demeaning signal towards women...I’ve got on Facebook up to this date. An anonymous professor background.”(Johnson, Lynch, Monroe, and Wang) petitioned against when it came to him delivering to tell you, I don’t agree with that either – that you going by a pseudonym Edward Schlosser writes a commencement speech2 at UC Berkley. when you become students at colleges, you have to about a changing atmosphere at US universities Unlike Edward Schlosser, some professors did be coddled and protected from different points of where merit is no longer the most important aspect not feel the need to stay anonymous. Harvard law Of course people reporting on these incidents had view. Anybody who comes to speak to you and you of an argument. Today it is also important to keep professor Jeannie Suk wrote a piece for The New some conclusions to make. Similarly to Edward
1 In the US, adjunct professor is someone who typically teaches a very Courtesy of The FIRE, source thefire.org limited number of courses and does not work for the university full-time. 32 Language and Content Policing Language and Content Policing 33
grow thicker skin. They support at least partial institutionalization of “cognitive behavioral therapy,” Shulevitz, Judith. “In College and Hiding From Scary which is merely a set of mental hygiene exercises Ideas.”The New York Times. Web. 21 Mar. 2015. anyone can practice, i.e. not presuming to know what the other side thinks, giving the other side the Suk, Jeannie. “The Trouble with Teaching Rape benefit of the doubt, avoiding overgeneralizations, or Law.”The New Yorker 15 Dec. 2014. Web. disengaging with catastrophic “what-if” scenarios. Wythe, Philipe. “Trigger Warnings Needed in In short, “cognitive behavioral therapy” teaches us Classroom.”The Daily Targum. 18 Feb. 2014. Web. how to look at the world from a more sober, less passionate, and visceral perspective. Jan Zajíček That “students need to feel safe in the classroom” (Johnson, Lynch, Monroe, and Wang) is what those who push for trigger warnings and other similar measures see as their ultimate objective. But many who comment on this issue fear that such measures simply go too far and become counterproductive. They often conclude their writings by invoking quotes from classical liberals or the Founding Fathers. All these quotes go in the spirit of how Evelyn Beatrice Hall summarized Voltaire’s philosophy: “I disapprove Photo by Rebecca Barray, source flickr.com is a result of overprotective baby boomer parents of what you say, but I will defend to the death your combined with overprotective public measures in right to say it.” Whether this trend will come to our Schlosser, Judith Shulevitz asserts that trying to the 90s (banning peanut butter from school lunches, country remains to be seen. And if it does, it will make the university a place where no student stripping playgrounds of anything dangerous, zero certainly be interesting to find out what will become would be confronted with unsettling material or tolerance anti-bullying campaigns, etc.). All of this of the established Czech translation of the collocation interaction might do more harm than good. Not has been sending the message that “life is dangerous, “trigger warning.” being confronted with ideas we might find upsetting, but adults will do everything in their power to unmerited or even triggering robs students of protect you from harm.” And as a consequence, Works cited: the ability to see the world from other people’s campus atmosphere is more than ever dominated by perspective and thus make them unprepared for trends like rejecting the notion that offense is never dealing with differing opinions outside the safe given, but taken, attributing the worst intentions Flood, Alison. “US Students Request ‚trigger environment of the university. Jeannie Suk comments to the other side and magnification of emotional Warnings‘ on Literature.”The Guardian 19 May 2014. on her case where students refused to study rape discomfort. In simpler terms, to feel offended has Web. Jan is a BA graduate of the Department law by saying that a law student afraid of studying become enough to get the other person in trouble. of English and American Studies rape law is like a “medical student who is training Last but not least, the rise of social media makes Johnson, Kai, Tanika Lynch, Elizabeth Monroe, where he currently pursues his MA to be a surgeon but who fears that he’ll become it possible to instantly coordinate any collective and Tracey Wang. “Our Identities Matter in Core degree. During the first year of his Classrooms.”Columbia Spectator 30 Apr. 2015. Web. distressed if he sees or handles blood.” She comes language and content policing effort. The Foundation studies, he started to follow American to an unsurprising conclusion that removing rape for Individual Rights in Education, an organization Lukianoff, Greg, and Jonathan Haidth. “The Coddling and British politics and he quickly law from the curriculum would be a great disservice where Lukianoff is the CEO, estimates 240 student of the American Mind.”The Atlantic 1 Sept. 2015. became obsessed. His main academic to the victims of sexual assault. campaigns have been launched in order to prevent Web. interests are political philosophies of the a public figure from speaking at a university. anglosphere, modern American history But perhaps the most comprehensive assessment Ross, Janell. “Obama Says Liberal College and the nature of political discourse. He of this situation has been offered by the lawyer and Lukianoff and Haidt do not limit their conclusions Students Should Not Be ‘coddled.’ Are We Really also recognizes how useful an honest free speech advocate Greg Lukianoff in cooperation to angrily commenting on how avoiding emotional Surprised?”The Washington Post 15 Sept. 2015. Web. with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The discomfort kills intellectual growth, fails to prepare linguistic research can be. His dream is to Atlantic. Their diagnosis is that the sensitive, self- students for the harsh reality of the world, and Schlosser, Edward. “I‘m a Liberal Professor, and My one day reenact Walden, a masterpiece infantilizing mindset of US millennial students how all there is to be done is to make students Liberal Students Terrify Me.”Vox 3 June 2015. Web. written by Henry David Thoreau.
2 Commencement speech is a speech given to students during a graduation ceremony. © Liam Daniel for Sky Atlantic, Promotion of BBC AMERICA
Fleming
Ian Fleming, the man who introduced the world to one of the biggest British heroes: Bond. James Bond. Though best known as a successful author of the Bond novels, Fleming drew inspiration for 007’s adventures from his own experience which he gained while working at the British Naval Intelligence Division. His life before Bond, including the WWII espionage period, is now uncovered in the four-part dramatisation ‘Fleming’, starring Dominic Cooper as the iconic personage. 36 Review Review 37
love of Ian’s life and the first Bond girl of WWII; and then on the volatile connection with Fleming’s wife Fleming: The Man Who Would Ann O’Neill, a unique relationship full of “extremes of Review: Be Bond behaviour: from tears to laughter, from passion to anger. They allowed each other to be that way,” concludes Lara Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond captures Pulver, starring the series as the high-society, very spirited Fleming’s life in Bond style, paralleling lives of By Anna Formánková woman, Ann O’Neill. both the real person and the fictional character. Bringing the significant people of Fleming’s life “This is not a true representation of who this man is . in the national espionage scheme and become an officer When the director of the miniseries, Mat Whitecross, was back to existence, the creators of the series manage . . it’s my idea of who I thought he would have liked to in the Naval Intelligence Division. And even though he is to awaken the archetypes of Bond’s world: Muriel have been seen by others,” says Cooper about his role in often considered to be a fantasist whose true schemes were Wright as the prototype of the adventurous, fearless the series. The actor took on the Bond inspiration and happening only on the pages of his book, Ian Fleming was “When I came aboard I felt we should Bond girl; Ann O’Neill as the femme fatale, Rear made Fleming into the man who would be Bond had he a vital member of the division’s activities over the course do more of Ann and more of Muriel, Admiral John Godfrey upon which M was based, had the chance. of the Second World War. and more of the loves of his life because and his secretary, Second Officer Monday, who was the original Moneypenny. As the grandson of the Scottish financier Robert Fleming, “There were new ideas then . . . actually [the] ones which that someway explains the kind of the founder the Scottish American Investment Trust and are still being used today [and which] he was coming up coldness and the strangeness of Bond.” Bond enthusiasts will find many hidden hints and Robert Fleming & Co. merchant bank, Ian Fleming gave with. . . .[When] you talk to a number of people . . . those references to the Bond franchise, which – combined in to the family pressure and embarked upon a banking who have had some connection in the spying world and with the archetypes mentioned above – turn the career. Under constant pressure of his despotic mother they talk of Ian like: ‘He was the real deal,’”comments planning on taking part in the project, he knew about the whole series into a television prequel, the first, and overshadowed by his older brother Peter, a successful Cooper on Fleming’s real-life engagement with espionage. espionage aspect of Fleming’s life, but what he was even original Bond story of the man who created 007. And novelist, Fleming welcomed the opportunity to take part According to Anna Chancellor, who portrays officer more interested in was the novelist’s love affairs which even those who do not follow the Bond franchise that Monday – the model for Bond’s Moneypenny – James clearly get mirror in Bond: “When I came aboard I felt closely will get a greater insight into the life-story of Bond is clearly Fleming’s “alter ego and if you’d really we should do more of Ann and more of Muriel, and more a man who created the most famous fictional secret examined his life, you can see where he gets his inspiration of the loves of his life because that someway explains the agent in history. from.” kind of the coldness and the strangeness of Bond.” And it’s not only Bond’s spy career, but also his As for the main protagonist, even though Dominic complicated relationships with women which are based on Ian Fleming wanted to be Bond; what he wrote was Cooper does not much resemble Ian Fleming based on the version of his life he wanted to live. For physically, he delivers a captivating performance. what Fleming never managed to accomplish, he had Cooper manages to show both the vulnerable side of “James Bond is clearly Fleming’s alter Bond to achieve. The director of the series concludes his a young, twenty-something Ian, as well as the edgy, thoughts on the connection between Fleming and Bond: dangerous, and intense Fleming in his late thirties. ego and if you’d really examined his life, “I suppose, what makes [Bond] so attractive to people He definitely does not lag behind the actors of the you can see where he gets his inspiration now is he’s not kind of a straight-down-the-line hero, he’s Bond tradition, yet his performance is definitely not from.” actually quite complicated, quite an antihero in a lot of too Bondish; his Fleming comes from the real life ways and it seems that comes from Fleming’s life.” rather than from the 007 fantasy.
Fleming’s real life. Problematic relation with his mother Re:Views verdict: 90% – who after her husband’s death took on the role of the Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond (2014) head of the family rather aggressively – left a significant Running time: 4 x 44 mins imprint on Fleming’s emotional life. “He never commits Directed by Mat Whitecross to any of these women who truly loved him. He’s quite Starring: Dominic Cooper, Lara Pulver, Annabelle brutal with them, they’re definitely not his priority; he’s Wallis, Rupert Evans, Samuel West, Anna Chancellor terrified of any form ofcommitment .” and others Official website Apart from the obvious adventures at the intelligence IMDB profile & selected promo videos office,Fleming captures the important loves of the author’s Available on Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube life, concentrating on Muriel, the crucial, adventurous
© Matt Holyoak, Promotion of BBC AMERICA Only after her death Muriel Wright became Fleming’s muse and inspiration for his female characters. © ECOSSE, Promotion of BBC AMERICA © MGM, Columbia Pictures, Danjaq, LLC
Spectre
Three years after the 50th anniversary of James Bond on screen, the franchise continues with what is expected to be the most successful Bond movie yet: SPECTRE. The embodiment of what Ian Fleming always desired to become returns on silver screen in the 24th instalment, the fourth adventure starring Daniel Craig as the iconic MI6 agent. 40 Review Review 41
Bellucci, who at the age of 51 breaks the stereotypical mould of Bond’s young love interests, becoming sceneries – including Mexico City, Rome, and Bond: The Man Fleming Always ‘the oldest’ – and probably the most sensual and the Austrian Alps – SPECTRE could make use of Wanted to Be charming – Bond girl to date. Even though both these and turn them into visually stunning jewels characters seem very different, “they both have great of the film; instead there is always a hint of the mystery [and] they both have depths,” creating great possibility, which is sadly never quite fulfilled. While MI6 tries to recover from the fatal blow that counterparts to Craig’s cold and distant Bond. was the bomb attack on their headquarters in Skyfall The previously mentioned star cast does not and try to prove the legitimacy of their position in disappoint, neither it surprises. Craig retains his the government activities, Bond sets off on a hunt. Bond is “a kite dancing in a hurricane”, Bond coldness accompanied by his trademark After uncovering part of his family secrets inSkyfall , fluttering among SPECTRE, MI6, and poker face, while balanced out by the passion he goes on a ruthless mission the objective of which the problems of his own past. and feelings of his Bond girls. Andrew Scott, in his character of Max Denbigh, channels vibes not SPECTRE is a movie entirely driven by dissimilar to his Jim Moriarty (BBC Sherlock), In Mr White’s words, SPECTRE’s Bond is “a kite most of the time standing in for the main villain Bond. He is on a mission from the very dancing in a hurricane,”fluttering among SPECTRE, portrayed by Christoph Waltz, whose character beginning; he is on the hunt, on the trail MI6, and the problems of his own past. The other sadly does not get enough screen time to allow of somebody, you don’t know why, you characters which went through Skyfall with Bond: M, for Waltz’s villain-portraying qualities to shine. don’t know what he’s doing there. Q, or Moneypenny, “help him and they all in different Bond (Daniel Craig) approaching Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci) at her ways risk their careers and risk their livelihoods” As for Thomas Newmann’s score, as usual it does husband’s funeral. © MGM, Columbia Pictures, Danjaq, LLC for Bond. What is much different from the previous not disappoint, however, many of the themes from is unknown to all but him. SPECTRE“is a movie film is the fact that “Bond is the one who has more Skyfall are repeated; on one hand, the soundtrack entirely driven by Bond. He is on a mission from Mr White, a villain character which first appeared experience than they did and . . . he’s got a greater thus offers less new material, though on the other, the very beginning; he is on the hunt, on the trail in Casino Royale, reappeared in Quantum of Solace, wisdom. And that’s very much what the movie is it sets a certain level of familiarity between the of somebody. You don’t know why, you don’t know and now comes back in SPECTRE to tie the loose about: whether or not to pursue the life [Bond has] film and the viewer, enabling the audiences to what he’s doing there and that sense that something is ends of the Quantum organisation storyline. always pursued.” slip into the Bond movie experience more easily. out is also tied to the second part of the crucial story However, the most important return is the one of of Bond’s childhood,” says the director of the film, the SPECTRE organisation itself, connecting the Review: SPECTRE as a proper Bond movie retains the Sam Mendez, who returns to the franchise for the latest Bond instalment with the classic 007 films and 007 standards in every respect; however, those second time to direct yet another Bond adventure. raising many questions regarding the main villain: Is standards are the reason why the film remains Christoph Waltz’s Franz Oberhauser a new rendition The first impression of yet another return of rather underwhelming. With SPECTRE the Bond Even though not entirely clear at the beginning, the of Blofeld, the head of SPECTRE? And what is his Daniel Craig’s Bond is the familiar feeling franchise does not evolve, it rather stands still. Thus story which is to be uncovered in SPECTRE is not connection to Bond? of a grand 007 action adventure, although considering its predecessor, Skyfall, the 24th Bond just another 007 one-off action; it is directly linked pondering about SPECTRE for a bit longer, instalment feels like a small step back. to the events of the previous films featuring Daniel When it comes to the tradition of the Bond franchise some of the film’s issues start to come up to the Craig as Bond: “Ever since Craig slipped into the – apart from sinister villain organisations – Bond surface. And this is exactly what SPECTRE is like: Re:Views verdict: 70% Bond tuxedo for 2006’s Casino Royale, something girls are a must; in the Craig era one girl is not enough the Bond enthusiasts will definitely enjoy and SPECTRE (Bond 24) © MGM, SPECTRE does not lack the classic Bond car action. has changed. There is no reset button for Craig’s and SPECTRE is not an exception to that rule appreciate Sam Mendez’s second 007 instalment; - in Czech cinemas from 5th November 2015 Bond. There’s continuity. . . . It’s now an epic . . . story as it features two, very different, strong female nevertheless, audiences unfamiliar with the Bond - Running time: 150 mins Columbia Pictures told over the course of four films, with SPECTRE characters: a young doctor Madeleine Swann franchise archetypes might find the movie rather - Directed by Sam Mendez functioning as an explicit sequel to Skyfall.” and an Italian widow of an infamous criminal, underwhelming in some respects. - Starring: Daniel Craig, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Lucia Sciarra. When talking about her character, Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Léa There are several features of the story that link Madeleine Swann, the actress Léa Seydoux says: SPECTRE offers everything a Bond film needs Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Christoph Waltz, Monica , Danjaq, LLC back to the previous films: First, another aspect “She’s intelligent and very sensitive and human to have: plenty of fights and action, impressive Bellucci, Andrew Scott,Jesper Christensen and of Bond’s childhood is set to be revealed, possibly character.” Lucia Sciarra, on the other hand, vehicle fleet, (even more than one) Bond girl, others uncovering the connection between SPECTRE, is “an Italian widow with secrets; her Mafioso a villain mystery (this time made double). But - Official theme song & official website sinister global criminal organisation, and Bond’s husband is killed and she risks the same thing formally, the movie does not use its potential -IMDB profile & Promo videos past. Also, Jesper Christensen reprises his role as happening to her,”comments on her part Monica to the fullest. Offering a plenty of wonderful 42 Review Review 43
Robert Olen Butler: Severance Robert Olen Butler
By Lucie Horáková
Butler’s Severance is an unexpected take on the format establishes his main tool of the trade – capturing a stream of a short story collection. It contains sixty one very of consciousness. This gives him the freedom to write in short texts that all adhere to some rather specific rules. hints and leaves much of the interpretation of the texts Each short story has exactly 240 words. Why? Because on readers. After the first reading, some of the texts Butler used some interesting facts as his starting point. resemble only incomprehensible mess, but given more First, “After decapitation, the human head is believed to time and contemplation, they start to fit together and reveal remain in a state of consciousness for one and one-half a message. The first decapitated character of the book, the minutes1.” And second: “In a heightened state of emotion, aforementioned Mud, is of course a fictional one. But this people speak at the rate of 160 words per minute.” This is not the case with all the people, or – to be more precise suggests that a decapitated head should be able to deliver – beings in the book. Starting way in the pre-historic era, a 240-word-long inner soliloquy and this is the content of Butler moves on the age of antiquity, where he reveals Butler’s short story collection – sixty one 240-word-long the last thoughts of such well-known personas as Cicero, © Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA inner monologues inside various severed heads. John the Baptist, Messalina or apostle Matthew. Later on, Robert Olen Butler, born in 1945 in Illinois, he picks other well-known heads from British history and USA, is a prolific writer and teacher. So far For arranging his collection, Butler chose strictly when he approaches the time of the French revolution, it he has written more than ten novels and six chronological approach. He starts off with what runs is a literal head-harvest. short story collections, and has gained several through the head of Mud, a “man, beheaded by saber- WBut not only real historical figures appear in Butler’s literary awards, the most important being toothed tiger, circa 40,000 B.C.” In the first text, Butler collection. The author decided to include mythical creatures a 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his short story collection A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain. Originally a theatre major, Butler Book designed by Brooke Johnson for Chronicle Books; Photo by Dominika Sirná joined the Vietnam War efforts and become as well, so the readers can read the mind of the famous a special agent and a translator for the counter- Medusa, the dragon slain by St. George or even look into intelligence. This experience, alongside with the mind of the infamous Lady of the Lake. The closer the the various jobs that ensued, formed and author gets to our times, the more culturally varied his inspired his writings and gained him a Tu characters are: he offers insights from not only European Do Chinh Kien Award for “outstanding and American heads, but also from inhabitants of Vietnam, contributions to American culture by Japan, Iraq, Burkina Faso or Israel. This makes his work a Vietnam veteran”. an interesting cultural tour and Butler manages to create Apart from being an acclaimed author of a perfectly humane portrayal of each and every one of his fiction, Butler is also famous for his support of literary victims in his book. creative writing. He teaches Creative writing at Florida State University and published a collection of his lectures on this topic The biggest challenge Butler had to face while composing called From Where You Dream. His greatest his audacious collection was to make each text absolutely achievement in this field is, however, his short unique. With such a number of unstructured soliloquies, story This is Earl Sandtthe whole creation of it might have been very easy to get repetitive and confuse which- from the initial idea to the final editing or even bore the readers. Luckily, Butler is such a skilled - was recorded and posted online as a webcast. and experienced writer this is not the case. He managed to In the broadcast author explained every aspect give each of his characters a distinctive voice and a story to of writing this particular short story and also remember. And the most daring piece of text he left to the answered questions posted by the audience. very end – the last severed head is his own. The author of The whole webcast, calledInside Creative this review is pleased to say that it was the cherry on top Writing can be found on Youtube. of the deliciously heady meal Butler prepared.
1 All direct quotes in the following text come from the book that is an object of this review. Book designed by Brooke Johnson for Chronicle Books; Photo by Dominika Sirná 44 CWC CWC 45
The College where I was supposed to pick up the 8 Jan 2015 13:46 GMT keys and the ID card was basically just around the Dear Ms Nicholls, Creative Writing Contest corner and yet I feared I would spend my first night I tried to enrol in MA courses for the second term here on the street, since I arrived fifteen minutes through the College Intranet System but I could not Last year the fourth Creative Writing Contest in short prose and poetry was announced and thanks to all the after the building officially closed. I ran through the get to any lists of courses that would provide any contestants, jury and, last but not least, the organizational staff, it turned out to be a very successful event. There slippery George Street in a horrible sleet that was information at all. Could you please tell me where was a record turnout of thirty-six contestants, perhaps due to the 3-year break between the previous contest and pinching my cheeks just like my elderly shrivelled could I find them? I need to enrol in courses for this one. Starting as an event for the students of the English Department, the contest is now accepting submissions catholic spinster witch-aunt who could easily pass twenty credits in total so I would not pay a penalty from all students of Masaryk University. The Department of English and American Studies and ESCape hope that for a Joyce’s Dubliners character. fee back at my home university. this event will now take place every year. So take out your laptops, or notebooks, pens, and typewriters – if you The rain changed into solid snowflakes as I was are one of the old-fashioned people – and start writing, because the fifth year of this competition is approaching approaching the College, half dead under the weight 9 Jan 2015 10:00 GMT quickly. To encourage you in participating, we are publishing the winners of the two categories of the contest – of my huge damp backpack. Dear Student, poetry and short prose. God, let there be light. I cannot find you in the MA Student Database, nor And there was. can see your learning agreement. You seem not to be But then, in a single blink, it went out. A man in enrolled in any of our study programmes, therefore Purgatory therefore cannot pay for the first one. Could you a yellow raincoat locked the main gate, whistling the you cannot enrol in any of the courses taught here. please look into the system and confirm that I am opening theme of East Enders. I felt my legs giving Moreover, I can see that you have still not paid for By Blanka Šustrová enrolled for the second term and was not enrolled up, I felt the backpack crushing my spine, I felt the the first term. That would explain why you are not in the first term? rest of the air in my lungs to form a pathetically enrolled in any programme. 15 Dec 2014 12:03 GMT Thank you very much. weak stream. Best, Dear Student, “Wait!” I whined in the yellow-raincoat-man’s E.N. The College still had not received your payment for 16 Dec 2014 11:30 GMT direction. He stopped whistling and looked around. the first term. Your studies here are to be terminated Dear Student, “Eh?” 9 Jan 2015 10:04 GMT in a week, unless you pay the tuition fees in three Your name is not in the College Database. Are you “Over here, sir! I am terribly sorry but…” Ms Nicholls, days. Consider this the final notice. an Erasmus student? I do not see your enrolment “You’re alright?” All the documents proving that I am studying at this On behalf of the Study Department, in any study programme. Have you filled in all the “Yes, I am. Do you work at the College? There was university as an Erasmus student from the second Maria Carter necessary documents? Did the university accept an accident on M40 and my bus had a delay and term have been sent to Ms Carol Upchurch who was your application? I can see no records to your name. I just need…” supposed to deal with entering all the information 15 Dec 2014 23:49 GMT+1 C.U. “The keys to the house, right? They told me some in your computer database. Dear Ms Carter, kid is coming today for the keys and ID card but The College cannot receive the payment for the first 16 Dec 2014 11:45 GMT+1 you didn’t show up.” 9 Jan 2015 10:45 GMT term, as I happen to be an exchange student starting I’m sending you the acceptance letter, the learning “Oh, thank God I ran into you. Could you please Who is Carol Upchurch? the studies in January, in other words, in the second agreement, the housing agreement and the contract give me the keys, then?” E.N. term. I have not been listed as a student in the first with my home university in the attachment. These “No.” term, therefore could not take any classes nor use are all the documents concerning my studies at your “Excuse me?” the College Housing System. university I received and got confirmed by your “It’s after my shift. I’m going home.” *** Study Department earlier this year. “Excuse me?” I asked again, with a heart attack 16 Dec 2014 00:00 GMT approaching. The man was staring at me without Maria Carter is taking a holiday from 16 Dec 2014 blinking for five seconds and then he started to The salty slush was eating my shoes as I walked from to 20 Dec 2014. If you need to contact the tuition *** laugh. the hospital towards my new home. I always thought fees advisor, please contact Carol Upchurch. “I’m kidding you! Just kidding!” he patted me on this to be a town too posh for having actual snow. This is a computer generated message, do not reply. I got out at the Gloucester Green station after I’ve the shoulder. As my shoes were covered in white crust of salt and spent six hours stuck on M40 that was heavily buried I fainted and broke my nose hitting the gold- the soles were peeling off in small bits and pieces, 16 Dec 2014 07:45 GMT+1 under one inch of snow. The bus driver threw all plated plaque commemorating the beginning of I realised that the dirty wet melting remnants of Dear Ms Upchurch, my belongings out of the majestically old vehicle, co-education in 1974. beautiful white snowflakes were a peasant problem, There has been a mix-up considering my tuition hopped in, and covered my face in thick black fumes because I saw the best minds of my generation fees for the first term. I am to start studying at the that no provocative industrial town deliberately happily wandering on the streets in shoes that University in January, in the second term, and violating the pollution law would be ashamed of. *** were showing no signs of being dissolved. Maybe 46 CWC CWC 47 the people just could afford to ignore the snow so Classics which led me to the assumption that his accept my payment for housing this month. I assure like a Whitehall civil servant pushing his deep brown much that the slush just decided not to interfere parents were quite wealthy. He left his room only you that my credit card is not blocked. patent leather brogue down my throat and with every with their patent leather brogues. And yet, all this when brewing another cup of coffee, as it was the 13 Jan 2015 10:56 GMT thrust a new wave of caramel coffee coffee caramel could be a good sign. Maybe the ninth circle of hell only thing he needed to maintain his well-being. Dear Student, flavour was hitting my palate hard and soft at the was thawing and all my bad luck would thaw with it. He usually drank six to eight cups a day, and yet Is it possible that your credit card may be blocked? same time full and thick and it would subside silently Those four days I spent in a hospital after that he still looked like a bear tired of his pathetically I recommend you unblock the card and try again. in a perfect bitter dryness after the last unfortunate memorial plaque incident were exactly boring life. He had those perfectly English watery D what I needed. I could not recall what happened eyes without any particular colour and a blank, R after I fainted to the next morning but I felt just bland stare. But if you looked more carefully, you *** O fantastically relaxed! The doctor came to have a look would notice all his nightmares and all the world’s P. at me the third day and was very optimistic and in burdens encrypted in there. Exhausted armies of The pint of the opaque ruby heaven-hell washed away a great mood. Punic Wars crossing the Alps having to leave the I needed to get away from that coffee-drinking all my anxieties and cleansed my soul. “Your recovery is just remarkable! I’ve never seen poor elephants behind. The people of Carthage, ancient ruin and refresh myself somewhere. I was anything like that! I would like to run some tests defeated, enslaved, shedding tears over their once not really in the mood for clubbing in the city centre before I let you go home but do not worry, it all fertile soil. The burning of Rome. Having to wash with those posh people whose shoes were far away *** looks very promising.” he said. the dishes after dinner. from having been eaten by a salty slush. I wanted “Well it was just a broken nose, right?” I winked at And that name of his. Guy. some peace and quiet and a pint. Or two. Or as much him. He did not wink back and it almost seemed Guuuuuuuuuuuuyyyyyyyyyyy. as I would handle. I missed my appendix so much 16 Jan 2015 8:00 GMT that his smile froze in a very unnatural way. I could I wanted to weep into a pint of heavy black stout. Dear Student, swear I saw a little twitch in his left eyelid. Stretching in your mouth like the Roman Empire, The Marsh Harrier was just a fifteen minute walk The extended time period the College gave you to pay “Haaaaaa! Yes, right, a broken nose!” he said very pathetically mundane and without any need of from my house. It was an ordinary pub, nothing too for the first term expired yesterday. I am obliged to loudly, as the twitch moved to the corner of his a proper articulation. People were always waiting hipster, filthy or postmodern and I liked it there. inform you that your studies at this university have smiling mouth. “It is only natural that you recovered for the moment when he will introduce himself I ordered a pint of Fuller’s Black Cab and headed been terminated. Please, leave the housing facility so fast, right?” he was writing something frantically with a proper name. Not just a random sound. That to a table in a sombre corner. by Monday 19th January 2015. Your file has been in his little note pad, still showing his teeth. “I’m just moment never came. He didn’t even have a middle I opened a letter from the College Director inviting deleted from the Student Database as well as the making a fuss of it all, am I not?” he patted my leg name that would save him. Nothing would save me to a formal welcoming reception that was about Housing Database. You will find all the necessary and got up. “I think you can go home tomorrow.” him and he knew that. And at that moment, when to take place tomorrow. It was black tie. I wore documents concerning the expulsion for your home He waved at me and gave me so forced a smile that I was still standing at the doorway, looking at him, formal clothes only once and I swore not to do it university in the attachment. I could not see his eyes anymore. all I wanted to do was to hug this poor boy and let again since a full-armour with a sword would be All the best, I unlocked the door and entered the house. I heard him weep bitterly on my shoulder. more comfortable. Alan Stonebreaker, College Director a squeaky noise. It could have been a chair. It could I tried to imagine myself at such event and my have been a dying frog. No, it was probably a chair. Unfortunately, I had no time for that. The moment forehead was soon covered in a cold sweat. I turned off the laptop and went slowly to the kitchen. “Who’s there?” a deep voice shouted and I decided of caritas disappeared as I entered my dark, damp, “What is your research field, if I may ask?” a sleazy I took the coffee dregs out of the coffee machine and to play a little game. depressing bedroom and started to unpack. As I was old professor would say. smeared it all over my face. I took the documents “Nay! Answer me! Stand and unfold yourself!” slipping into something more comfortable than “Hm?” I would peep, flustered. proving I should have been properly enrolled in the I shouted from the hallway, anticipating the right a sweater stained with blood, I noticed there was “What do you plan to write your MA thesis about?” study programme for the second and the third term answer. I could hear his ponderous footsteps slowly something weird with my lower abdomen. he would fill up my glass with Riesling and show and stapled them all over my jacket frantically. pussyfooting on a worn-out carpet towards me. A scream of terror echoed through the me his shark teeth. How would I know? I don’t Guy came to the kitchen with a pressing question I imagined he may be of a heavy stature as his neighbourhood. even know what fresh hell will tomorrow bring engraved in his blandly colourless eyes. intentionally silent creeping was as effective as My appendix was gone. to me. Two days before I fled the country for this I took a potato masher out of the kitchen drawer embroidering a pillow with a pneumatic drill. Kafkaesque experience, I met my thesis supervisor and looked at that poor boy in an assuring manner. “Long live the king?” he said uncertainly, hiding in the hallway. He gave me one of his famous dead I kissed Guy goodbye and marched to the College behind the corner. *** stares. Apparently, I haven’t mastered the technique headquarters. “So you do humanities, then?” I peeked at him and of blending in with the walls yet. They took my dignity. smiled. The Black Cab teased my nostrils with caramel They took my sanity. Guy was the Prince of Herbert Close. There was 13 Jan 2015 9:05 GMT aroma and coffee undertones and I could not hold They took my appendix. always something rotten in his kitchen and the life Dear Ms Thompson, myself any longer. Bitterly dry stout kicked me in the If I’m going down, they’re going down with me. he led definitely resembled a tragedy. He studied The College Housing System repeatedly refused to face and the taste filled me like like like like it was 48 CWC CWC 49 Wendigo
(The Woman in Paint) Will you dance for us?
I am a head of open-wide windows By Michaela Dragounová I am a head full of sky Behind my carnival mask The North wind murmurs for you She ate her own (Cruel little beast Sorry black heart Savage little beast) Her tiny tired heart How I long to eat m-e-a-t With tiny tired gears Eat that which isn’t my own (Done ticking) (Sweet little trap Fine little trap) She came out Out of the woods But hush To bite your fingers Now Bite your fingers off The curtain falls (So no feeding) (That thundering That devouring But oh That incessant When sated That inward pull But oh That involuntary motion When full That abysmal feeling Is me Such grace And mine Such style I am a cavern Such athleticism In me Was never seen Vast spaces reside In Wonderland In plain language - As she danced on the edge I am full of holes) Of a dirty kitchen knife This dance will be the last of the season She – the ballerina Be seated and In slippers Be still Of clear white ice She – the divine dancer On a great brick wall (Her hair was cut short (The Great Divide) Long time ago) Dangling her feet daintily In her blood-red The una-ballerina Cabaret skirt The woman in paint (Slithering submissively around her ankles) (Half creature Un, deux, trois! Half abstract) Un, deux, trois! At repose I’ve never seen such strength of will And behind her pale Monolithic shoulders Will to life A tree full of faces Will to death A sky full of heads Will to power 50 AWC AWC 51
she is told. Winky is a good house-elf (Goblet of Fire can be caring friends, loyal companions or even fierce 98-99). When Winky is dismissed by her master, she leaders. If they are reduced to the role of mere servants Harry Potter and Inequality: moves to Hogwarts where she falls into depression and who internalise the rules of the oppressive system, it is House-Elves Are Humans Too where other house-elves show a similar lack of sympathy a loss not only for them but also for the whole wizarding or ability to see anything else than their work. They world. look “disgusted” when they see Winky getting drunk by Helena Brunnerová and when she falls on the floor, they “cover her with Works Cited a tablecloth, hiding her from view” (Goblet of Fire Dear readers, 538). This scene shows the danger of the elves’ habit Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. of suppressing their feelings because by doing so, they New York: Scholastic, 2007. Print. it is a widely held belief that works are to be either analysed or enjoyed. We, however, believe that these are not also suppress sympathetic emotions which would make Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: mutually exclusive. On the contrary, thinking and rethinking fictional worlds creates additional value and is an them more humane. And as Dobby shows, there can be Scholastic, 2000. Print. undisprovable evidence that some works are worthy of coming back to. The world of Harry Potter is believed humanity in house-elves and they can be as capable of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. New York: to be such work. To illustrate its academic potential, we proudly present to you the winning work of the Harry compassion and empathy as any witch or wizard. He Scholastic, 2003. Print. Potter Academic Writing Contest by Helena Brunnerová! Enjoy her insightful paper on the rights of house elves is both the only house-elf who is free and the only one and tell us if you liked it on our website. (R:V) helping Winky, treating her as a fellow being who is in need, instead of seeing her, as other house-elves do, as Helena Brunnerová In J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, house-elves are witness the unjust treatment which she has to suffer a failure that embarrasses them in front of wizards. small magical creatures who resemble humans in many (Goblet of Fire 139). Even Sirius, Harry‘s godfather, respects. However, very few witches and wizards realise dismisses Dumbledore‘s advice to treat his house-elf Moreover, subordinating house-elves into flawlessly that this does not involve only their appearance but also Kreacher “with kindness and respect” (Order of Phoenix obedient servants does not give wizards real power. their psychological characteristics. Because they are 832) and it takes almost two years for Harry himself to Instead, it makes them vulnerable. Sirius lost his life rarely seen and treated as anything more than servants be able to follow Dumbledore‘s words. When he finally because he had mistreated Kreacher who then, as who are bound by magic to obey their master, it is not sees Kreacher as a complex being who has had to endure a result, lied to Harry whom he disliked at that time. surprising that little is known of their history besides a life full of mistreatment and emotional pain, he not Voldemort lost one of his horcruxes because he was the fact that their “enslavement goes back centuries” only overcomes his hatred of Kreacher but even feels testing its defence mechanism on Kreacher in a way so (Goblet of Fire 224). This has been long enough to make compassion for him. This causes a huge change in the cruel that Kreacher‘s master, Regulus, decided to destroy both wizards and house-elves perceive it as natural, to elf, making him “happier and friendlier” and, in a time it in revenge. Conversely, when house-elves are treated the extent that wizards commonly share Ron‘s opinion when Voldemort is back and the evil is on the rise again, with kindness, they can be caring and loyal even when that “[t]hey like being enslaved” (Goblet of Fire 224). he turns their “gloomy and oppressive” hiding place into they are not bound by rules of magic, as Dobby shows Despite the little support showed by wizards in the something welcoming and comforting enough to be multiple times, including sacrificing his own life to save Helena is a BA student of Social Anthropology books, I will argue why it is not only moral to fight for called “a kind of home” (Deathly Hallows 271). Harry, and also Kreacher, who leads the house-elves and English Language and Literature. She has their rights but how it can also bring benefits for both against Voldemort, shouting: “Fight the Dark Lord, in always been a bookworm but it was the Harry wizards and house-elves if wizards stop treating them as Although house-elves are often spoken about as a group the name of brave Regulus” (Deathly Hallows 734). Potter series that first motivated her to read in nothing more than perfectly obedient servants deprived of identical servants or housekeepers, the examples of English because she could not bear to wait for of freedom. Dobby, Winky and Kreacher show that they are all Winky‘s suffering when she was given freedom shows the translations. She is a big fan of audiobooks individuals with their distinct characteristics, with that Hermione‘s approach towards freeing house-elves so when she is not hiding behind a book, it is Although there are house-elves working at Hogwarts, feelings, fears and hopes. In this respect, they are not against their will might not be the best one. However, often because she is listening to one. She also in the first three books only one of them, Dobby, is different from humans. However, for most of the time if house-elves, instead of being raised to be faultlessly enjoys photography, destroying the gender mentioned. For most of the series, they are invisible. the majority of wizards are not able to see this and obedient, are taught to see themselves as individuals binary, and travelling. She loves volunteering After all, as Nearly Headless Nick explains, this is a sign understand the moral implications. House-elves are who can feel and show their emotions and wishes as well abroad, so far she has participated in ten of a good house-elf: “Ideally, you don‘t know it‘s there” being taught to suppress their own identities, seeing as act on them, if they find their identity, they will see projects which included helping with a festival (Goblet of Fire 182). When they do appear, they are often themselves and their own value only through the eyes of the value of freedom. They share enough psychological of traditional crafts in Wales or renovating treated with cruelty or indifference, and not only by the wizard who is their master. When Hermione meets characteristics with humans for it to be morally necessary houses in Ireland. When she wants to wizards “on the dark side”, such as Voldemort and Mr. a house-elf (Winky) for the first time and objects to to give them more rights and treat them with respect. experience or explore something even more Malfoy. Hermione observes that Winky, a house-elf, is the cruelty she has to endure, Winky explains: “House- What is more, if they see their own value and accept unusual, she sometimes does so in the safe treated “like she wasn‘t even human” and it is her who elves is [sic] not supposed to have fun. (…) House-elves responsibility for their lives, a huge potential will be and free of charge way of writing stories. stands up for Winky, not the Ministry employees who does [sic] what they is [sic] told. (…) Winky does what unlocked. Dobby and Kreacher prove that house-elves 52 KAA
The Gypsywood Players
by Tomáš Varga Pavla Nováková
This year the Gypsywood Players production IDEAS Student Conference brings alive a timeless classic despite the company’s mostly modern repertoire. To The second IDEAS Student Conference is going celebrate the 600th anniversary of William to take place on 18th December thus aspiring to Shakespeare’s death the company will perform become a new tradition at the Department of his Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play has English and American Studies. The conference attracted a number of new talents including is aimed at all Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral several foreign exchange students and the degree students whom the organizers wish to company has already started the arrangements provide with a platform to present their work for spring tour which might involve festivals and and research so that they can gain valuable guest performances abroad. experience for their further studies or their The Brno audience can witness the spectacle on prospective academic careers, confidence in their the following occasions: abilities and feedback from the audience. The organizers from ESCape Students’ Club hope December 15 – 7:30pm to build on the success of the first conference December 17 – 7:30pm which generated many fruitful discussions and All performances will take place in Buranteatr was a pleasant experience for both the presenters at Kounicova 22, Brno. and the audience. Follow the Facebook page for ticket information. A glimpse of last year's conference by Romana Juriňáková