Dr. Andrew Lee's English class stands outside the chapel at the University of the South during a research visit. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Colson Hagan, Tylor Hudson, Kalee Isham, and Noah de la Rosa; middle row, Dr. Andrew Lee, Austin Campbell, Sarah Anne Gabriel, Audie Ash, Matt Aprea, and Trevor Arrowood; front row, Kyle Somer, Ashlyn Elder, Abigail Cribbs, Lydia Horrigan, Michaiah Samples, Cana Cooper, Bri Gwathney, and Joey Zalusky.
Dr. Andrew Lee, professor of English, and Dr. Donna Summerlin, assistant chairperson of the Lee University Department of Language and Literature, took students from Lee’s Theories of Reading and Writing class to Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie” at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.
“I’m so thankful for this opportunity and the ability to experience it with peers who have the same appreciation for the work and for literature in general,” said English major Abigail Cribbs. “I believe this trip has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the emotions of the characters and the context in which Tennessee Williams may have been writing this play.”
The students also traveled to the University of the South in Sewanee, where they received a private tour of the Tennessee Williams’ archives. Students were able to see the playwright’s original type-written manuscripts of some of his other plays.
“The students were thrilled to be able to do hands-on research with primary source material for the first time,” said Dr. Lee. “The trip also helped students grow closer as a cohort in our English major degree program.”
After the archives tour, the group stayed at the Smokehouse Lodge on Monteagle.
“Overall, the trip was fantastic,” said English major Tylor Hudson. “It opened my mind up to interpret and theorize ‘The Glass Menagerie.’ I found fascinating information on Tennessee Williams himself and created friendships.”
For more information on Lee’s Department of Language of Literature, contact 614-8210.
From left, Abigail Cribbs, Wadley, and Kyle Somer examining papers in the Tennessee Williams archives at the University of the South