In this seminar we'll trace the 18th century rise and
19th century evolution of a movement in British literature that
chased lightning-like bolts of inspiration, and wrangled with
the often turbulent emotions that followed. The reading will look
at various framings of the "sublime," ranging from poetic
genius to political apocalypse, from overwhelming terror to uncompromising
love. We will look at poems, novels, and "exploding upstart
theory" from the period, with an interest in how the ideas
and techniques developed there have survived to the present day.
The major assignment for this seminar is a 15-20 page
research paper. Students will be developing their thesis for this
paper throughout the term, both in class and in office hours.
It will count for 2/3rds of the total grade. The remaining 1/3rd
will be based on a series of one-page written assignments, as
well as class participation. Attendance in class is essential.
Mail the final essay to me, along with a stamped return
envelope, by December 13th. The address is 430 Scott St. #6, SF
94117
TEXTS
Milton, Paradise Lost (with essays found in the Norton
Critical Edition)
Ashfield and deBolla, The Sublime: A Reader in British
Eighteenth Century Aesthetic Theory (Cambridge University
Press)
Radcliffe, The Italian (any edition)
Blake, "America: A Prophecy" and "Europe:
A Prophecy" (Dover Facsimile Reprod.)
Bronte, Wuthering Heights (any edition)
Readings by Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley and DeQuincy
can be found in most standard anthologies. I've put the Norton
Anthology, vol. 2, on order.
SCHEDULE OF READINGS
Aug 28 - Longinus on the
sublime (Sublime Reader, pp. 22 - 29); John
Milton,Paradise Lost Books I and II; S.T. Coleridge, "Milton,"
and J.B. Broadbent, "Satan," (in Norton edition)
Sept. 18 - Ann Radcliffe,The Italian; Edmund Burke, "The
sublime and beautiful," (selections in Sublime Reader, pp.
131 - 143)
Oct. 2 - William Blake, "America:
A Prophecy" William Godwin, "Political Justice"
extract (Sublime Reader, pp. 280 - 285); Edmund Burke, "Reflections
on the Revolution" extract (Sublime Reader, pp. 286 - 291);
Mary Wollstonecraft, "Vindication of the Rights of Men"
extract (Sublime Reader, pp. 294 - 299)
Oct. 16 - Adam Smith, "Essays on Philosophical
Subjects" extracts (Sublime Reader, pp. 233 - 243); William
Wordsworth, "The Prelude" (short extracts to be
announced) and "Resolution and Independence"; Percy
Shelley, "Mont Blanc" and "Ode to the West Wind"
Oct. 30 - William Chambers, from "A Dissertation
on Oriental Gardening" (Sublime Reader, pp. 268 - 270); Samuel Coleridge, "Christabel"
pt. I; Thomas DeQuincey, "Confessions
of an English Opium Eater" extracts
