凯瑟琳·玛丽亚·塞奇威克学会与莉迪亚·玛丽亚·柴尔德学会联合研讨会

The Catharine Maria Sedgwick Society and the Lydia Maria Child Society are collaborating to host a joint symposium at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. This event invites members of both societies to engage in scholarly discussions and presentations focused on the works and influence of Catharine Maria Sedgwick and Lydia Maria Child, two significant authors of the nineteenth century. The symposium will encourage researchers to explore the individual contributions of both authors, their literary and personal relationships, and their enduring relevance in contemporary literary studies.Proposals for the symposium can encompass a range of topics. Scholars may examine the implications of studying the personal and literary connections between Child and Sedgwick, including their well-known works. The symposium aims to delve into diverse genres beyond the novel, such as sketches and stories for children, to uncover new perspectives on their relationships. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how the later writings and experiences of both authors might reshape our understanding of their literary legacies. The historical context of race, slavery, and the authors' connections to the South will also be essential themes, particularly in light of the symposium's location in Colonial Williamsburg, prompting discussions around colonial settings and the experiences of Indigenous peoples as depicted in their works. Moreover, the symposium will consider the broader implications of Sedgwick’s and Child’s roles as literary foremothers and their influence on other contemporaneous female writers, fostering discussions on the challenges of recovery and representation in literary history. Jennifer Putzi, a noted professor in English and Gender Studies at William & Mary, will be among the speakers. Additionally, participants can look forward to other activities such as special collections tours, local excursions, and workshops focused on writing and pedagogy. The symposium welcomes both pre-formed panels and individual paper submissions, encouraging a robust exchange of ideas and scholarship among attendees.