This document provides instructions for an assignment for a Symbolism/Absurdity course. Students must create an original presentation, piece, or work focusing on one of several concepts discussed in class, such as suggestive indefiniteness, developing images like a Polaroid, or employing broken symbolism. The piece should evolve over time rather than be static. Students will present their work in one minute and also submit a one-page statement discussing their ideas and process. The goal is for students to experiment creatively rather than intellectualize or argue.

1. LIT 2940: Symbolism/Absurd: Image/Meaning Project.
Due: Thursday, November 15:
Genesis: Over the course of the term we have discussed a number of ideas to help frame our discussion of
Symbolism and the Theatre of the Absurd. Here are a few of them:
A suggestive indefiniteness.
A slowly developing Polaroid picture.
An open work that has no meaning before interpreted by the spectator.
Structured like a piece of Jazz music in which one must listen for whatever one may find.
“Uses a language based on patterns of concrete images rather than argument and discursive speech.”
Employing broken symbolism.
Metatheatrical – making the viewer aware of the process – the notion of Larvatus prodeo or “I advance
masked” in which the spectator is made aware of the mask.
Doubt.
Your task: Create an original presentation/piece/object/thing/work that focuses on one or more of these ideas.
Resist the urge to intellectualize or argue about the ideas and simply present the ideas themselves. To this end,
language can be involved, but should not be the conveyor of “meaning.” It may be merely one of many pieces.
All of the above ideas involve time. Your piece should not be static, but evolve. You will have one minute to
present your reaction to this question to the class. Remember – “Brevity is the soul of wit.” You will be timed.
Challenge: Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers to this question. Experiment, play, work in a
medium with which you are not familiar.
Paperwork: You must turn in a one page typed statement about your project. This page can take any form you
wish, but should discuss the genesis and evolution of your ideas. It should be typed. It should express
forethought and not be dashed off at the last minute on the way to class.