cfp.english.upenn.edu

Self-described “student of science” Bruno Latour defines an actor as “any thing that leaves a trace.” In keeping with this year’s theme of footprints, this panel welcomes papers that consider the traces left by any thing on the world (whether of humans or non-humans). What buried narratives might we excavate by reading residue? What stories are told by echoes? All approaches are welcome, though eco-critical and material readings may be particularly appropriate. Relevant topics might include:

• the intrusion of animate or inanimate things into a human narrative

• the intrusion of a human into a non-human narrative

• the traces or fragments left behind by things otherwise not present in a narrative (i.e., the bear that chases Autolycus off stage)

• the traces or fragments left onstage by actors no longer present (i.e., Desdemona’s handkerchief)

250-word abstracts due by May 13, 2009. Send via e-mail to Lizz Angello (eangello_at_mail.usf.edu).