Proust Questionnaire: Chris Ivy, 2nd Year English Graduate Student
The Proust Questionnaire is a popular form of interview, developed by French writer, Marcel Proust, that is focused on the interviewees personality. It is popularly used by Vanity Fair. A reoccurring segment on The Mirror and the Lamp, our questionnaire will focus on getting to know the WIU English Department’s students and faculty members.
Chris Ivy is a 2nd year English graduate student, originally from Fayette, MO. He is currently a TA teaching ENG 180, an active participant in the English Graduate Organization, and an avid reader of detective novels.
Who are your favorite writers?
For primary texts it would be Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, William Faulkner, and Wilkie Collins. For secondary texts, Leonard Davis, Rosemarie Garland-Thompson, and Michel Foucault.
Who is your favorite hero/heroine of fiction?
Batman. Followed closely by Sherlock Holmes. That’s not even a question.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom, she’s overcome difficult circumstances. My fiancée, Kate, who inspires me. And my older brother, Jeremiah, who has been a role model for me.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Relaxing, drinking a nice rum and coke, while watching a good movie.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Abe Lincoln.
What is the trait you most loathe in yourself?
Procrastination.
What is the trait you most loathe in others?
Rudeness.
What do you enjoy most about WIU?
All of the English faculty is super cool. I also enjoy the friends I’ve made.
Describe Macomb in one word?
Windy.
What is your dream occupation?
Professor of Literature at an R-1 university. If I had my druthers I would teach classes on detective fiction and true crime. That would be ideal.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My fiancée.
Which talent would you most like to have?
It would be cool to know how to ride a unicycle.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being the first person, in over forty-five years, in my immediate family to graduate college.
What is your motto?
“Do what makes for a better story.” And “Always be kind to everyone you meet.”
What is your current state of mind?
Tired.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
An owl.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Being inside that mind is intriguing to me.
How would you like to die?
I don’t really have a preference. If I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die. It’s going to happen either way.
