College English - Volume 64, Issue 4, 2002

Addresses the climate of disappointment that characterizes English studies generally and composition studies--particularly writing program administration (WPA). Considers that the context of disappointment is shaped by a number of overlapping factors including: the widely perceived job market collapse in the humanities; the national abuse of adjunct teachers of first-year writing courses; and the general devaluation of the humanities.

Discusses two recent novels that employ techniques more familiar to science fiction than to historical fiction to probe questions of history and authenticity. Considers how these novels expose the way that those who attempt to bear witness to the history of slavery are ostracized, pathologized, and even institutionalized.

Discusses the short introductions by literary scholars that more often than not precede Shakespeare's plays. Considers the importance and lack of importance that readers put on these introductions. Describes the use and creation, over time, of these introductions to many different plays by Shakespeare.