Module Title: LIT102
English Poetry and Drama: 14th–17th Century
Credit
Value: 12
Module
Tutor: Mr. Simon Daniel
General
Objectives
This
module covers Elizabethan and Puritan literature and the selection of texts
pertain to the historical and cultural settings of the times. Through the study
of select metaphysical poetry, a satirical comedy, a Shakespearean tragedy, a
marlowesque tragedy and an epic, the module will enable awareness of the role
of literature in reflecting diverse issues that represent age and culture.
Learning Outcomes
On
successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
·
demonstrate knowledge on the literary and
cultural background
·
critically analyze issues presented in the
texts
·
reflect the historical
and social movements of the age in academic essays
·
apply understanding gained and relate to
present-day contexts
Subject
Matter:
1.
Metaphysical paradox and metaphor
1.
Poem of paradox.
2.
Profane and divine love.
3.
Love-making as innocent activity.
4.
Fusion of wit and passion.
5.
Metaphors of the map and straits.
6.
Home -- the pacific or eastern riches.
7.
Paradise and Calvary.
II. Satirical
exposition
1.
English Comedy
2.
Life and works of Ben Jonson.
3.
Disparity between actuality and pretence.
4.
Theme of human greed.
5.
Unity of place and time.
6.
Poetic justice.
7.
Targets of the Satire
III.
Marlowesque
1.
Intellectual pride
2.
Arrogance of egoism
3.
Internal Conflict
4.
Psychotic logic
5.
Choice of necromancy
6.
Marlowe's women
7.
Consequential pathos
IV.
Marvellian metaphysics
1.
Charms of the garden.
2.
Personifications of Peace and Solitude.
3.
Metaphors for Time.
4.
Themes of love, beauty and time.
V. Miltonian
epic
1.
The Invocation and theme.
2.
Man's first and subsequent transgression
3.
Heroic qualities of Milton's Satan.
4.
Speeches of Satan.
5.
The rebellious angels.
6.
Satan's army and Parliament.
7.
Heaven and hell.
VI.
Shakespearean Tragedy
1.
Macbeth and overvaulting ambition
2.
The supernatural element
3.
Lady Macbeth as a spur
4.
Transformation of Macbeth
5.
The end and the means
Teaching
and Learning Approach
Lecture: 3hrs/wk
Tutorials:
1hr/wk (including discussions& presentations)
Assessment
1st
Assignment: (800 - 1000 words) 10%
2nd
Assignment: (1500 - 2000 words) 20%
Oral
Presentation: 20%
Examination: 50%
Total: 100
marks
Essential
Reading:
Donne,
J. (1996). (Selections: ‘The canonization’; ‘The Sunne rising’; ‘Hymn to
God in my sicknesses). In Arthur L. Clements (Ed.), John Donne's poetry.
New York: W. W. Norton & Company
Jonson,
B. (2007). The alchemist. Ramji Lall (Ed.). New Delhi: Rama Brothers
Marlowe,
C. (1985). Doctor Faustus. Kitty Datta (Ed.). Calcutta: OUP
Marvell,
A. (1621-1678). The garden; To his coy mistress. In K.N. Khandelwal
(Ed.), Andrew M. Selected poems. Agra: Lakshmi Narain Agarwal
Milton,
J. (1991). Paradise lost. Book I. Ramji Lall (Ed.). New Delhi: Rama
Brothers
Shakespeare,
W. (1956). Macbeth. New York: Arden
Suggested
Reading:
Austin,
F. (1992). The language of the metaphysical poets. Basingstoke:
MacMillan
Barton,
A. (1984). Ben Jonson, dramatist. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Dollimore,
J., & Alan, S. (Eds.). (1994). Political Shakespeare: Essays in cultural
materialism. Manchester University Press
Fowler,
A. (n.d.). Poems of John Milton. New York: Longman
Tillyard,
E. M. W. (1943). The elizabethan world picture. London: Chatto and
Windus
Module
developed by Mr. Simon Daniel