Reference

The setting of Moo University in Jane Smiley's novel "Moo" reflects the wider American Midwest in several distinct ways. Here's a breakdown:

1. Agricultural Focus: Moo University is modeled after a large Midwestern university with a significant emphasis on agriculture and technology. This mirrors the real-life importance of agriculture in the Midwest, where many universities have robust agricultural programs and focus on research related to farming, livestock, and agronomy (source).

2. Rural Environment: The novel depicts Moo University as being situated amidst cow pastures and fields of grain, highlighting the rural and agricultural backdrop commonly found in the Midwest. This setting underscores the region’s reliance on farming and agribusiness (source).

3. Midwestern Culture and Topography: Smiley captures details of Midwestern topography, weather, and culture with precision. This includes aspects such as the flat, expansive landscapes, the seasonal weather changes, and the communal aspects of Midwestern life which are integral to the setting depicted in Moo University (source).

4. Satirical Elements of Academia: Smiley uses the setting to satirize the academic and administrative culture within universities, reflecting broader societal and academic issues that can resonate with institutions anywhere but are grounded in the specific Midwestern context of Moo University (source).

5. Community and Connection: The rural university setting fosters a close-knit community, common in smaller Midwestern towns, where university activities and politics play a significant role in local life (source).

Overall, Moo University serves as a microcosm of the American Midwest, using its academic and geographical setting to reflect larger regional characteristics and societal issues.

Moo Cover

Moo Book