Call for Papers
for a session at
American Studies Association Annual Meeting:
November 21-24, 2013: Hilton Washington, DC
The Lesser Generation: Bankrupt Sons in Post-World II American Culture
The figure of the privileged, bankrupt son can be seen throughout post-World War II American culture. These may be literal sons, such as Death of a Salesman ’s Biff Loman, Song of Solomon’s Milkman, The Graduate ’s Benjamin Braddock, and “The Sopranos” ‘ A.J. This burden can likewise exist with figurative sons, such as the weeping elder Ryan in the coda of Saving Private Ryan. This session wishes to complicate constructions of the beneficient patriarch and his less worthy son, placing this rhetoric within shifting twentieth century American ideals of masculinity, success, work and sacrifice. Papers are encouraged that examine this trope across multiple texts and mediums. Please submit abstracts (300 words), a brief bio, and a c.v. to Elizabeth Abele (abele@ncc.edu) by January 10, 2013.
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