230198 Analysing and interpreting literature of the late 17th and early 18th centuries (S) (SoSe 2025)

In this seminar we will practice the methods of literary analysis and interpretation introduced in the lecture "Introduction to Literary Analysis and Interpretation" by taking a close look at British drama, poetry, and some other writing from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, aka "the Restoration" and "the birth of modern society". This period, which followed the turbulent decades of the English Revolutionary Period, the abolition and later restoration of the monarchy, and the so-called Glorious Revolution (the last successful invasion of Britain followed by the establishment of a constitutional monarchy), saw far-reaching changes in literary institutions and the flourishing of old and new genres. We will read, discuss, and seek to analyse and interpret various examples of literary writing from this period.

Bibliography

Students should still have access to their textbook from the lecture, i.e. Vera and Ansgar Nünning. An Introduction to the Study of English and American Literature. Trans. Jane Dewhurst. Klett. All other readings will be provided via Moodle.