Instructors’ Teaching Experience

This was a really interesting text to teach.  Overwhelming majority of my students really disliked the book, and many of them expressed extreme frustration with Helga Crane’s inability to be content with her life.  Some claimed they actually hated her character.  I think an important part of teaching this text is highlighting the historical context of Crane’s character, and using that context in order to fully understand the implications of her biracial identity as well as her struggle with her sexuality.  I must say that while most of my students did not enjoy this text, their negative passion fueled class discussions – they were engaged and lively! [Eloisa Mendoza]