Autobiography of Red is a “novel in verse” by Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson. Carson uses the poetry and history of classical Greek writer Stesichoros as a springboard for a poetic narrative that combines centuries-old legends with contemporary values. The work is ultimately a prequel to the mythic story of the relationship between the murdered monster Geryon and the hero who killed him (Herakles here, more commonly known as Hercules). Its events and themes are primarily defined by Geryon’s coming of age, an experience itself defined by first love gone awry. At the same time, the narrative and its imagery also explore thematic issues relating to the power of feelings, being different, and the significance of chance encounters.
NOTE: Citations in this Lesson Plan refer to the Kindle edition of Autobiography of Red (2013) from Vintage.
Albert Einstein credited his discovery of fundamental laws of the universe to his ability to ask the simple questions. Much the same can be said of Anne Carson, who in her poetry and essays asks quest...
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Anne Carson
