Sara Cloutier

Sara (she/they) is an early-PhD student in literary studies who calls Philadelphia, PA home. Coming from a region with such a rich past they developed an appreciation for history early in life, and this appreciation has inspired much of their own research: particularly in considering the context behind both what may have led an author to write and how that author may have affected the world around them through the act of publishing their work.

Their main area of study is 19th century literature, with a particular interest in the geographic area of the United States, and considering transatlantic influences from British society and literature; they are also interested in American Indigenous Studies. In particular, Sara often explores the relationships (both collaborations and tensions) between Indigenous Americans and American settlers during this period of American settler colonialism. Some research projects they have worked on so far look at how American settlers portrayed Indigenous Americans and how Indigenous Americans responded in their own works of writing. Further, they explore how 19th century American print culture and archival practices affected these relationships and the ability for marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Americans and women (and, especially, Indigenous American women), to use their voice and be heard.