Exploring Identity in Literature

John Green introduces the Crash Course Literature series, outlining the books to be read over the next ten weeks. He discusses the complexity of self-identity, borrowing from Walt Whitman, and explores how literature helps us understand ourselves and others. The course aims to delve into questions of identity and personhood through various literary works, starting with 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'.

Which book is NOT part of the reading list for the course?

• Pride and Prejudice

• Their Eyes Were Watching God

• Invisible Man

• Lord of the Flies

What is the main question John Green asks about self-identity?

• What is the meaning of life?

• Why do we read literature?

• What do you mean when you talk about yourself?

• How do you define success?

According to John Green, what phrase does Walt Whitman use to describe the complexity of individuals?

• You are infinite

• You are a mystery

• You contain multitudes

• You are unique

What does John Green suggest about the adjectives people use to describe you?

• They are often insufficient

• They are always accurate

• They define you completely

• They are irrelevant

What does John Green imply about the relationship between your body and your identity?

• You are not just your body

• Your identity is fixed by your body

• Your body is irrelevant to your identity

• You are solely your body

What does John Green say about the things you create?

• They live outside of you

• They are insignificant

• They define your worth

• They are temporary

What is one of the main joys of reading literature, according to John Green?

• Escaping reality

• Exploring and explaining the self

• Learning new languages

• Improving vocabulary

What question does John Green pose about the world acknowledging your personhood?

• What if the world refuses to acknowledge your personhood?

• When will the world accept you?

• How can you make the world notice you?

• Why does the world ignore you?

Which book will be the first to read in the course?

• Lord of the Flies

• Invisible Man

• Their Eyes Were Watching God

• One Hundred Years of Solitude

What thematic question is associated with 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

• Is love always beautiful?

• What defines true friendship?

• How do you achieve success?

• Should you shoot your husband if he has rabies?