Am I Jaded? Are Unexpected Literary References Everywhere?

I love cartoons. I love books. I love when these two vices come together. Since June 2010, when I noticed a Shirley Jackson nod in an episode of South Park, I’ve become sensitive to other literary references in pop-culture, specifically cartoons. These past few months have been strong for my Unexpected Literary References series. South Park, American Dad, Looney Tunes, Conan O’Brien, and The Simpsons all delivered.

But what makes this blog post worthy is a comment on a recent-ish blog post (about Neil Gaiman’s appearance on The Simpsons):

“why are they ‘unexpected’? Especially in the programs you tend to feature (especially in the Looney Toons!–not to mention Hannah and Barbara stuff, not that you’ve mention that, yet) it is actually quite expected and part of the draw of the programs.”

What do you think? Am I jaded? Are references to literature in pop culture more common than I give credit for? I’m seriously considering writing a book about the intersection of popular culture with “hi-culture” specifically in regards to cartoons and literature. Help me. Guide me.

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Posted on January 19, 2012 by Caleb J. Ross in Unexpected Literary References

About Caleb J. Ross

began writing his sophomore year of undergrad study when, tired of the formal art education then being taught, he abandoned the pursuit in the middle of a compositional drawing class. Major-less and fearful of losing his financial aid, he signed up to seek a degree in English Literature for no other reason than his lengthy history with the language. Coincidentally, this decision not only introduced him to writing but to reading as well. Prior this transition he had read three books. One of which he understood.

2 Responses to Am I Jaded? Are Unexpected Literary References Everywhere?

  1. stephen January 20, 2012

    yes.

    Write the book I mean. Hard to say if you are jaded. I may be too but then I may also be an elitist. I remember freaking out when I saw a Google+ ad that briefly featured a circle labeled “the mad ones” a Kerouac reference. I think for me the shocking thing is not that they occur but maybe how quickly. A favorite show of mine is Futurama which is always packed with references but often they are extremely fleeting.

  2. Pingback: The Simpsons and the closing of Borders Bookstores (again) « Unexpected Literary References

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