Tag Archives: Barbara Kingsolver

Using Lit to Discover Purpose in Science

By Robin Bates | Published: May 22, 2016

My Intro to Literature students, few of whom are English majors, are often startled to discover that literature understands them better than they understand themselves. Today’s post describes the encounters between two science majors and, respectively, Wordsworth’s “Intimations of Immortality” and Kingsolver’s “Flight Behavior.”

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A Talk with a Cli-Fi Activist

By Robin Bates | Published: January 25, 2016

Dan Bloom, inventor of the term cli-fi for climate fiction, tirelessly advocates for such fiction, regarding it as indispensable in the struggle to save the human race. I interview him in today’s blog.

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Monarchs & Ezekiel’s Burning Coals of Fire

By Robin Bates | Published: January 23, 2016

Barbara Kingsolver’s “Flight Behavior” shows us Baptists farmers, not normally friends of environmentalists, turning to religious language to save the environment.

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The Peace of Wild Things

By Robin Bates | Published: December 21, 2014

My Intro to Literature class explored how a disconnect from nature leads to existential anguish while opening themselves up to nature provides spiritual nourishment.

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Kingsolver Tries to Save the Planet

By Robin Bates | Published: October 7, 2014

I’m not entirely sure what to make of Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior (2012), which I’m currently teaching in my Introduction to Literature class. It fits well with my theme, which is “Humans in Nature,” and I certainly agree with Kingsolver’s point that climate change is one of the greatest dangers facing humankind. I just have […]

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Monarch Butterflies in Danger

By Robin Bates | Published: June 25, 2014

Barbara Kingsolver’s “Flight Behavior” warns of the threat to monarch butterflies.

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Feeling the Pinch During the Holidays

By Robin Bates | Published: December 13, 2013

Barbara Kingsolver gives a vivid depiction of life for the working poor during the holiday season.

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Kingsolver on Anti-Communist Hysteria

By Robin Bates | Published: July 8, 2013

Barbara Kingsolver’s novel “Lacuna” warns us what happens when surveillance of innocent people gets used to ruin careers.

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