Lisa Ruth Sternlieb, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Marcy Lynne North, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
English Novels Media School Shootings
Abstract:
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of mass shootings—particularly in schools—leading to a correlated upsurge in related reporting by mass media. This level of violence and the subsequent coverage have become common to the American public, though many scholars criticize the media’s presence and bias in the process. Literary authors have also begun sharing their perspectives on the topics. Writers such as Jodi Picoult of Nineteen Minutes include a number of characters in their works to explore the contexts that could lead to school shootings. Further, Lionel Shriver, author of We Need to Talk about Kevin, explores how the presentations of these narratives fail to show the public audience all of the facts and elements. While novelized literature contributes to the necessary, national discussion about school shootings, they also leave aspects untouched.
