Paper I: English Literature 4

This paper provides an introduction to major Victorian writers and a brief overview of the Victorian period in England. Thus, the student will be responsible for demonstrating the importance of context in the works prescribed. Effectively this means shaping readings beyond just summary or surface analysis. In turn, this means assimilating literary theory as discussed in class and facility with writing within standard MLA formats. The course is extensive. However, you will have the opportunity to discuss some works in detail; the challenge lies in applying what you learn to describing the ‘atmosphere’ of Victorian England, the basic issue of what the term “Victorian” means. In the process, we shall also examine the relevance of that era to ours: to reconstruct a Victorian world view that undeniably shapes our own world views today. Generally, “Victorian” as a category is associated with restraint and prudery. Yet the period was also one of excess, of great upheaval and reform. How can we resolve the opposing directions of movement? This course revolves largely around that problem.

At its end, our connecting texts to their context will also establish an appreciation of how "literary" and "non-literary" writing are related as rhetorical forms. This involves formal study of poetry, fiction and a selection of prose as distinct but inter-connected genres. Coherent grasp of texts orally and in writing is the basic imperative in tutorials and seminars. Writing assignments in the latter (and the house exams) will call for strong, effective prose. You will be graded on the quality and clarity of your writing as well as the content.