Vol. 3 (2016)

Welcome to the third issue of Western Tributaries! This issue features five essays that were presented at the West Coast Liberal Studies Symposium, hosted by Simon Fraser University, in June 2016. Myr Hansen explores the differences between Jewish and Roma diasporas in an attempt to understand how “cultures exist, adapt, and are marginalized or integrated on a larger scale.” Building on the theme of culture, Derek Finn examines it from a different perspective through his biography of Charles Coughlin, a Roman Catholic priest and popular radio broadcaster. Finn argues for greater recognition of Coughlin’s popularization and legitimization of social justice ideals in the public and political consciousness, in the early 1930s. Lynette Yetter further explores the theme of social justice through her analysis of the characterization of Doña Felipa, the central character in José Maria Arguendas’s 1958 semi-autobiographical novel Deep Rivers. Yetter illustrates how the central character is a transformative force in society in her encouragement of others to take action for justice and the public good. A different conceptualization of female identity is explored in Michele Martin’s work. Using Faulkner’s novel The Sound and the Fury and Flannery O’Conner’s short stories, Martin illustrates how the mothers are inadequate guides to their daughters who are rebelling against the Southern ladylike ideals in the early twentieth century. Looking at a different aspect of socially acceptable behaviour, Veronica McGhee reflects on her own high school and university experiences with Shakespeare’s sexual references. In order to find the balance between “revealing and concealing,” McGhee discusses her journey of making Shakespeare’s plays relevant in her own classroom. We hope you enjoy the diverse articles of this issue.

Jennifer Chutter
Journal Manager and Editor
Simon Fraser University