Re: Kenneth Burke Quote--An Aside

[Beth Boquet <eboquet@FAIR1.FAIRFIELD.EDU>]

Though I am not familiar with the original quote, I have seen 
reference to "Burkean Parlors" here an there--usually indicating a 
place where people gathered for informal conversation.

However, a friend of mine who happens to teach 19th century American 
literature--and who also happens to be a very careful reader of most 
of my work--likened composition's role as gatekeeper to the function 
of parlors in 19th century American.  They were, in short, 
places where one greeted people formally, reserved for people whom 
you might not want to let much (or any) farther into your home than 
that room.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting spin on the whole idea.

--Beth
Elizabeth Boquet
Director, The Writing Center
DM 130
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT  06430
Tel: 203/254-4000, ext. 2529
E-Mail:  eboquet@fair1.fairfield.edu