Course Catalogue

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