In conjunction with “The Melville Project,” a Visions and Voices event, we are pleased to announce the following competition, open to all students in English and American Literature, Comparative Literature, and Creative Writing.

•  the BEST CRITICAL ESSAY on any work by Herman Melville, OR the best critical essay written on an artistic endeavor inspired by Melville’s example (from Benjamin Britten and Laurie Anderson to the musical inspirations featured in this year’s “Melville Project” program).

• the BEST CREATIVE ENDEAVOR (any media) taking its inspiration from a Melville text or Melvillean motif and that demonstrates a serious (not just glancing) engagement with the author.

Two prizes of $225 each will be awarded, one in each of these cate-gories. Deadline for submission to the competition is May 1, 2010; turn submissions into Prof. Boone’s mailbox in English Dept, Taper Hall 404.

Entrants are encouraged to attend one of our two Melville Project events: “And God Created Great Whales” (Sept. 10 and 11) and “CON-MAN: A Musical” (Apr. 01), both of which will be held at the 24th Street Theatre north of campus. See “Visions and Voices” for more details on both shows.