“YOU CAN’T PREACH DEMOCRACY TO STARVING PEOPLE”

Prof. Jay Halio is presently a visiting Fulbright lecturer at Sofia University. From 1955 to 1968 he taught American and British literature at the University of California, Davis and from 1968 to 2003-at the University of Delaware where he is now Professor Emeritus of English. He was also director of the University of Delaware Press. He has written over 30 books and over 100 articles and reviews many of which are well-recognized in the academic community worldwide. He was interviewed for “SPOT ON” magazine by Ksenia Kisselincheva

“Why is teaching great literature important in the age of IT and genetic revolutions?”

“It is important for many reasons, mainly because through such literature we get to know about ourselves as human beings and the world we live. The impetuous scientific discoveries will not change that but may help to expand our reach.”

“Would you comment post-modernism in literary criticism and practice?

“Post-modernism may mean a great number of things. Literature never stands still, or if it does, it dies. So post-modern fiction, poetry and drama extend the frontiers of literature. However, “the death of the author” is, in my view a ridiculous approach. Deconstruction is also a fad that is disappearing lately.

“What are your preferred approaches to literary texts?”

“I was trained in the close sensitive reading of texts of the New Criticism school. I feel that it is one of the best ways to illuminate the hidden treasures of modern and older authors, of both Saul Bellow and William Shakespeare.”

“What do you think of modern interpretations of Shakespeare on the stage?

“Modern interpretations of Shakespeare have contributed a great deal to our understanding. Feminist interpretations, for instance, have made us more aware and sensitive to aspects of Shakespeare’s works that have hitherto neglected. I would like to mention a production of King Lear in Washington’s Shakespeare Theater. Cordelia was played by a deaf and mute actress. The fool spoke her lines, which she signed. It was immensely effective.

“Do you find American students different in some ways from students in other parts of the world?

“American students are not really much different from any other students whether in Argentina or Malaysia where I have taught. But they have less knowledge of the world at large and need to become more international in their outlook.”

“What is your impression of students in this country?”

“I enjoy much teaching here in Sofia. The students are very well trained and inquisitive. I don’t lecture at length, instead we have exciting discussions.

“What is, in your opinion, the effect of the overwhelming spread of mass culture today?”

“Mass culture may have a truly deadening effect on people, disabling them from seeing more deeply into the heart of our problems. It offers a simplistic outlook, which is distorting and debilitating. On the other hand, if it helps to increase literacy, then it may serve a positive function.”

“How do you view the process of EU expansion, one of the great historic events, unraveling before our eyes?”

“I am not a political scientist but I strongly hope EU expansion may put an end to centuries of conflict and warfare.”

“Terrorism is plaguing the modern world. Do you think we have found the way to deal with it?”

“I don’t think we have yet found the way to deal most effectively with it. But of one thing I’m sure - terrorism will go on until we remove more poverty in the world and give people more hope for a better future.”

“Do you think women will have a new more prominent role in political life in the 21^st century?”

“Women are becoming more and more involved in politics in this century, as never before.This is doubtless a good thing, especially if mothers begin to object more strenuously to sending their sons to war or to engage in terrorism.”

“What is your vision on the controversial issue of globalization?”

“It has complex implications but, unfortunately, it widened the gap between rich and poor. Greed is at the root of this evil. I’m a life-long Democrat and I don’t mind paying taxes, if I know they go to the poorer. As George Orwell once said: “You can’t preach democracy to starving people!”

SpotOn magazine, 2004