230496 Shakespeare's Sonnets (S) (WiSe 2019/2020)

The seminar will start with the reading and analysis of one or two prominent sonnets by William Shakespeare. This will be followed by a closer look at Shakespeare’s life and works. As the so-called English sonnet differs from the original classical form as created in Italy in the 14th century it is advisable to consider both the classical form as well as its later varieties. The following sessions will be devoted to the reading and analyses of a representative selection of Shakespeare’s sonnets. As Shakespeare’s sonnets have been translated into many languages we will discuss a number of translations of the most popular sonnets into German. In the remaining sessions we will deal with G.B. Shaw’s one act play ‘The Dark Lady of the Sonnets”. A semsterapparat with a selection of the most important literature referring to Shakespeare’s sonnets will be prepared.