Hello and happy second term! While things are definitely heating up for midterm season, I hope I can take your mind off of the stress by reminding you of some literary moments from history in the month of February. Starting off strong, February 2nd is not just Groundhog Day—it is also the birthday of James Joyce in 1882, author of several famous works, including Ulysses.
James Joyce
Decades prior in 1863, Samuel Clemens used his more recognizable pen name Mark Twain for the first time in a Virginia newspaper called the Territorial Enterprise. He is the author of several widely celebrated works, including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Even earlier, in 1812, Charles Dickens was born on the 7th of February. While his name is likely familiar, most are even more familiar with his work A Christmas Carol, which has been adapted to film several times.
Charles Dickens
February was also an important month for Oscar Wilde; on the 14th in 1895, his play The Importance of Being Earnest opened in London. However, it had to close after 86 performances due to rumours regarding his sexuality. Later, on February 11th, 1896, his play Salome premiered in Paris while he was in prison. It was also the first play he composed in French.
February 14th, while recognized as Valentine’s Day, is also International Book Giving Day! While some of you definitely gifted books to your partners this Valentine’s, I absolutely think more people should be aware of this holiday so the day can be about two great things—chocolate and books.
Much more recently, on February 15th in 2010, Maya Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to civil rights and the arts. This award is the highest civilian honour in the United States, and was given to her by former President Barack Obama. She was a multi-talented individual who wrote in all forms, and was Hollywood’s first Black female director. She also worked for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She is widely celebrated and is continually recognized for her invaluable contributions.
Maya Angelou
On the 26th of February in 1564, Christopher Marlowe was born. He is considered to be a forerunner of Shakespeare, and is often titled the father of English tragedy. His works are very well known, widely studied, and thoroughly enjoyed. The 26th is also national Tell A Fairy Tale Day! While I may have been too late to tell you about International Book Giving Day, there is still time to find a fairy tale of your choice and a person willing to listen to it.
Finally, on February 29th in 1692, Sarah Osborne, Sarah Goode, and Tituba were the first women accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials. Tituba was the first accused, then accusing Osborne and Goode. Naming other offenders was a technique often used to escape witchcraft charges of one’s own. These events are recounted, though dramatized and partially fictionalized, in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, which was originally published in 1953.
While I am sure many of us are feeling the pressure right now with papers and exams, make sure to take some time to unwind and remember that self-care has to extend beyond reading week! Midterms may be tough, but at least they’re more manageable than being accused in the Witch Trials. Push through, Mustangs—the finish line is in sight!