The LRR Blog

January 27, 2012

The Day I Realized I am an English Major

By Amanda Montes de Oca in LRR

As a freshman in high school, I was determined to become a sports writer. Eventually, I worked my way up to editor-in-chief of the school paper, and entered UConn as a pre-journalism major with every intention of defying the cliché that everyone changes their major at least once. I was so sure of myself that the ensuing events surprised even me. Three weeks before the end of my first semester, I made the change—I became an English major.

I switched for many reasons, but the easiest one to explain is that I had lost interest in reporting and in the simplicity of news writing. I decided I wanted to be a more versatile writer than a journalism degree would prepare me to be. I wanted to learn about other types of writing and everything that went along with writing skills, like editing, publishing, and design. It was the prospect of doing something, creating something more than a list of facts in paragraph form, punctured by “he said” and “she said” every few sentences. The only drawback was, well, everything that was not a writing class.

I have always felt out of place in most of my English classes. I have not read all the classics which everyone else seems to know from cover to cover. I cannot sing eloquent sentences in discussion to rival the author’s own words. Poems are often lost on me, and when I write my own, I feel squirmy and exposed. I have not taken classes with any of the professors about whom my classmates excitedly compare experiences. I usually feel like an imposter when I tell people I am an English major. I love to read and I love to write, and I do love and defend the major when my scientific friends attack its practicality. But it was not until the very end of my seventh semester that I realized I am, in fact, very much an English major.

This did not occur with the resolution of my English major insecurities. It did not arise from a literarily profound moment. I did not engage in a heated discussion, nor did I become so consumed in a book or an essay or a poem that I needed to be pulled back to reality.

No. The moment I suddenly realized I am an English major occurred when I packed for the library only to find I could not fit all of my books into my bag. There were books of poetry, of prose, of plays, of fiction, of non-fiction, books centuries old and books born within my lifetime, and I knew every single one—and it was vital for me to protect every single one from plunging to the wet ground. My arms were full and my bag was so precariously packed that I had to lean as I walked to prevent the topmost books from spilling out.  I laughed when I finally saw my reflection in the glass door.

Hermione Granger had nothing on me that night.

 

 

January 19, 2012

Call for Submissions!

By ScottAllison in LRR, LRR Submissions

 

 

UConn students, it’s that time of the year again. LRR fiction, nonfiction, poetry and translations submissions are due by Monday, January 30. Art submissions are due by Monday, February 6.

We are looking for work from a wide range of UConn students and encourage all to submit, regardless of major.

 

There are two ways to submit work:

Email submissions to submissions@longriverreview.com or submit hard copies in CLAS 162.

Refer HERE for more info

 

January 9, 2012

Prevent a Disgrace that is Blue Ivy, Bronx Mowgli, Sage Moonblood, &c. and Pick a Classy Literary Name in the Process

By akpalazzo in LRR

Prevent a Disgrace that is Blue Ivy, Bronx Mowgli, Sage Moonblood, &c. and Pick a Classy Literary Name in the Process

 Beyoncé had her baby on Saturday and named her Blue Ivy Carter.

My peers and I are at the age where our siblings, cousins and friends are all having children, and we argue over acceptable names all the time.  I guarantee that every girl on campus is walking around with a mental list of names for her own future offspring and many of  these names are incredibly ugly. Think Ocean.  Nevaeh.  These are not acceptable and celebrities are not helping.  When they name their children Blue Ivy, Bronx Mowgli, Coco Riley and Sage Moonblood, they’re only encouraging heavy psychiatric bills and my internal cringes.  Of course, every parent wants an aesthetically pleasing and unique name for her child, and my response to this is to pick one that’s both classy and literary.  Beyoncé, there was no need to name your baby Blue Ivy.

Literary Names for Girls

Auden – Although originally a boy’s name, this is growing in popularity for girls too.  Reminiscent of poet W.H. Auden.

Briony – An overly imaginative young writer in Ian McEwan’s Atonement.

Ella – Probably the most enchanting girl’s name, it means “bright light.”  And who doesn’t love the classic, Cinderella?

Emma – A novel by Jane Austen highlighting the whims and errors of a vivacious genteel girl.

Esmé – I admit, this is a difficult name to pull off.  It’s from J.D. Salinger’s “For Esmé – With Love and Squalor.”  She’s a young and innocent girl who helps a soldier cope with the trials of war.

Harper – Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Sarah – Originally from the Hebrew, Sarai, it means “princess.”  Of course, the main character in The Little Princess is named Sarah.

Sydney – The first literary character I think of is Charles Dickens’ Sydney Carton, but it’s made the gender change in the last century and is still a great choice for girls.

Wendy – J.M. Barrie created this name for the children’s classic, Peter Pan, and I’m rather fond of it if you can get over the fact that it’s a fast food chain.

When in doubt, do not create a ridiculous name for your child.  This includes, but is not limited to, foods, colors, days of the week and words that are not actually words (think “Moonblood”).  I will, however, insert a disclaimer:  Not all literary names are good names.  Do not name your child Lolita.  That would be a mistake.