Jack Kerouac\u27s spontaneous prose: a performance genealogy of the fiction

This study analyzes Jack Kerouac’s writing method of spontaneous prose and articulates how the method can be understood as performative writing. Kerouac’s “Essentials of Spontaneous Prose,” On the Road, Visions of Cody, and Doctor Sax are explored to evaluate both the successes and failures of the author’s attempts to break literary boundaries and create a new writing method based upon spontaneous tenets. These three novels, which were written in succession from 1950 to 1953 when Kerouac was in his most productive period, represent both the emergence and dissent of the author’s use of performative writing. To explicate the cultural genesis and dissemination of Kerouac’s writing method, the historiographical method of performance genealogy is utilized to address two fictions operating within the larger discourse surrounding Kerouac. First, by focusing on the author’s works rather than on his biographical life, this study seeks to contribute to our understanding of Kerouac’s status as an author and as a performer of fiction. Second, by focusing on the cultural historicity of his writing method, it is argued that Kerouac’s method of spontaneous prose is a much more complicated approach to novelistic discourse than both his earlier critics and some contemporary fans have acknowledged. By addressing spontaneous prose as a method of performative writing, this study articulates what spontaneous prose is and what it does. To this end, the study tracks the doing of spontaneity over the course of three separate literary performances of the novel. As the genealogical trajectory of the writing method demonstrates, in On the Road Kerouac has only begun to implement the changes he wanted to explore after discovering his literary method. Visions of Cody represents the author’s commitment to the writing method, but as its series of literary experiments shows, Kerouac is not yet able to balance his writing method with a sustained approach to narrative story telling. Finally, in Doctor Sax, Kerouac is able to achieve what his two earlier novels had not. That is, a synthesis between the form of invention and the subjects of invention themselves. Implications for performance studies and performative writing are explored

Theodore Dwight Weld's use of the judicial motif in American Slavery As It Is: Testimony of a Thousand Witnesses

This thesis examines the rhetoric of Theodore Dwight Weld's American Slavery As It Is: Testimony of a Thousand Witnesses. Published anonymously in 1839, Weld's publication became the longest antislavery tract in American history. It left its mark on the abolitionist movement itself and future antislavery literary works most notably Uncle Tom's Cabin. Despite its historical and rhetorical importance, Weld's text has been subjected to little critical exploration. This being the case, it is the goal of this study to find the dominant means of persuasion that Weld used to argue to antebellum northern audiences that slavery is evil and should be abolished. Weld accomplishes this goal by using a judicial motif throughout his tract. In his text, Weld acts as prosecutor and asks his readers to act as jurors in judging the legitimacy of slavery in the United States. In doing so, Weld relies on evidence in the form of testimony and newspaper advertisements to prove his arguments. I utilize the Hermagorian system of stasis to shed light on Weld's use of the judicial motif. This system points to four main questions, which represent the main stands of argument between a prosecutor and defense. The four main questions are the stases of conjecture, definition, quality, and objection. Under the stasis of conjecture I show that Weld demonstrates that slavery results when individuals are motivated by absolute arbitrary power. Under the stasis of definition I argue that the South offered the justifications of "necessary evil" and "positive good" in linking their way of life to the institution of slavery. Weld rejects these justifications and establishes his own account of slavery to be a thirst for absolute power over others. In the third stasis of quality I show that Weld argues that human nature is against slavery and therefore, should be abolished. In the last stasis of objection I show that Weld answers the question of whether abolitionists are justified in condemning slavery. Using The Hermagorian system of stasis shows that although each one is applicable to an analysis of Weld's tract, the stases of quality and objection are the most fruitful in establishing the effectiveness of Weld's rhetoric. By combining both emotion and logic for his jurors, Weld accomplishes his role as prosecutor in the case. Once his jurors act in accordance to the judicial motif as members of humanity and see the slaves in the same light, they are forced to bring back a just verdict of guilty because slavery is against the very essence of humanity itself

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Venture Success: A Study of Startups in Vancouver, Canada

The entrepreneurial mindset plays a crucial role in the success of ventures across Canada. Startups led by entrepreneurs with a strong entrepreneurial mindset are more likely to achieve sustainable growth, secure funding, and attract talented employees. Traits such as risk-taking, resilience, innovation, adaptability, and a growth-oriented mindset are key drivers of venture success. The presence of a supportive ecosystem that provides access to capital, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities further enhances the likelihood of entrepreneurial success in Canada. Fostering the entrepreneurial mindset and creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential for promoting venture success across the country. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between the entrepreneurial mindset and venture success among startups in Vancouver. Startups whose founders exhibited a higher level of entrepreneurial mindset are more likely to achieve sustainable growth, secure funding, and attract talented employees. Entrepreneurs with strong entrepreneurial mindsets actively sought partnerships, mentorship, and access to industry networks, enhancing their startups' visibility, growth opportunities, and potential for success. The study concluded that entrepreneurs who embrace calculated risks and introduce innovative products or services gain a competitive advantage and adapt to dynamic market conditions. Entrepreneurs who possess a resilient mindset, learn from failures, and persevere in the face of adversity have a higher likelihood of achieving venture success. The study recommended that in order to cultivate and nurture the entrepreneurial mindset among aspiring entrepreneurs, educational institutions should incorporate entrepreneurship education and training programs. Creation of incubators and accelerators that provide workspace, networking opportunities, and tailored support services will foster a collaborative environment for startups to thrive and overcome challenges. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Mindset, Venture Success, Startups, Canad

Effects of forearm and palm supports on the upper extremity during computer mouse use

The use of forearm and palm supports has been associated with lower neck and shoulder muscle activity as well as reduced musculoskeletal discomfort during keyboard use, however, few studies have investigated their effect during computer mouse use. Eight men and eight women completed several computer mousing tasks in six arm support conditions: Forearm Support, Flat Palm Support, Raised Palm Support, Forearm + Flat Palm Support, Forearm + Raised Palm Support, and No Support. Concurrently, an infrared three-dimensional motion analysis system measured postures, six-degree-of-freedom force-torque sensors measured applied forces & torques, and surface electromyography measured muscle activity. The use of forearm support compared to the no support condition was significantly associated with less shoulder muscle activity & torque, and the raised palm support was associated with less wrist extension. Forearm supports reduced shoulder flexion torque by 90% compared to no support. The use of either support also resulted in lower applied forces to the mouse pad. Participants reported less musculoskeletal discomfort when using a support. These results provide recommendations for office workstation setup and inform ergonomists of effective ways to reduce musculoskeletal exposures