2025 Conference Objects and Essays

Bringing the Canon to the Periphery: Using Fanfiction in the Classics Classroom

Matz, Alicia

This paper discusses how using the lens of fan fiction and reception theory in the Latin classroom can not only bolster student engagement but also provide a means of teaching canonical texts in a way that focus on peripheral ancient identities. This talk will be based on my own experience of teaching an intermediate Latin course on Dido, in which two authors, Vergil and Ovid, were read. Despite using two canonical texts, I tried to ‘break’ the canon in two ways: by focusing on a ‘side character,’ and using the idea of fan fiction to frame class discussions. Students felt they got a different view of the ancient world by focusing on the peripheral, ‘side character’ perspective, while the focus on fan fiction allowed them to explore ways in which these peripheral characters speak to modern audiences while creating a personal connection with the text.