Description:

What is a hero? Some might define a hero as “someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk for the greater good of others. Outside of the standard dashing war portraits of men/women facing the gates of Hell, the most heroic are often the most ordinary of people doing ordinary things for a greater humane purpose” (www.guardian.com). According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hero is “a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” In World Literatures, sometimes neither of these definitions appropriately define, represent, or determine who or what a hero/heroine truly exemplifies. 

The 49th annual Louisville Conference on Literature & Culture since 1900 will be held at the University of Louisville, February 24-26, 2022. Critical papers may be submitted on any topic that addresses literary works published since 1900, and/or their relationship with other arts and disciplines (film, journalism, opera, music, pop culture, painting, architecture, law, philosophy, performance, digital media, and theatre). Work by creative writers is also invited. We also accept critical-creative panel submissions that address issues of poetics, craft, or writing practices. Title of panel should highlight the issue addressed.