21L.705 Major Authors
Spring 2006
Instructor: Mary C Fuller
Seminar: TR 9:30-11 (14N-112)
Information:
Rewriting Genesis: Milton's "Paradise Lost "and Twentieth Century Fantasy
In 1667, John Milton published what he intended both as the
crowning achievement of a poetic career and a justification of
God's ways to man: an epic poem which retold and reimagined the
Biblical story of creation, temptation, and original sin. Even in a
hostile political climate, "Paradise Lost "was almost
immediately recognized as a classic, and one fate of a classic is
to be rewritten, both by admirers and by antagonists. In this
seminar, we will read "Paradise Lost" alongside works of
20th century fantasy and science fiction which rethink both
Milton's text and its source.
Students should come to the seminar having read "Paradise
Lost" straight through at least once; this can be accomplished
by taking the IAP subject, Reading "Paradise Lost"
(21L.999), or independently; the first week of the semester will be
a reading week. Twentieth century authors will include C.S. Lewis
(Perelandra, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) and Philip
Pullman (His Dark Materials), as well as assorted criticism. Each
week, one class meeting will focus on Milton, and the other on one
of the modern novels.
Work for the subject will include regular journals,
presentations on the secondary reading, one short essay focussed on
close reading, and a substantial seminar paper.
Announcements
Grossman reading (Thursday)
I've substituted an article by Marshall Grossman for the article by John Guillory previously assigned for next week; and we'll be discussing it Thursday (not Tuesday). Under "Critical Readings," you'll also find a link to definitions of some vocabulary in the article which might otherwise need to be looked up.Announced on 11 May 2006 10:49 p.m. by Mary Fuller
Thursday's class
We'll meet in the usual place tomorrow to hear Leslie, Anisa, Jonny and Dawn talk about their work in progress. I will again bring something like scones and fruit, and you should bring whatever you like to drink.Two other notes: for our lunch meeting this Sunday, you'll find directions to my house on the Stellar site (easiest: look on "Schedules" for May 14th); and for next Tuesday, I've changed the critical reading (to something more manageable, I hope). Monday is your last chance to send journals, if you're behind; most people should be done.
Announced on 10 May 2006 6:03 p.m. by Mary Fuller
Additions to the site
Please be aware of these new materials on the Stellar site:Under "Critical Readings", a selected bibliography of works that might be of interest to you.
Under "Other Interesting Things," a link to the William Blake Archive and to the home page of the Royal Society.
Under "Writing", your proposals.
Have a good weekend!
Announced on 28 April 2006 5:33 p.m. by Mary Fuller
