It is impossible to overestimate the influence Shakespeare’s tragedies have on world literature. We will read three of them during this course to cover some of the scope of this author’s dramatic work. A detailed look at Hamlet will reveal the play’s intricacies with regard to structure, language, world view, philosophy and contemporary political implications. Richard III in turn will introduce us to a play more complex than the historical intrigue it seems to be based on: fate vs. coincidence, or choice vs. loyalty, reason vs. passion are just some of the many issues this tragedy puts on the stage. Finally, Julius Caesar will introduce us to the mastery of Shakespeare in the Roman tragedies, plays based on classical history, which present the clash of power and loyalty with a very contemporary, English twist. Students wishing to participate in this seminar need to have read Hamlet by the beginning of term. There will be a test to check on textual knowledge in the second week. Course participation and reading of the other plays will be ascertained by additional tests. We will discuss the further requirements in the first session in class.
Texts:
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Eds. Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor. Arden Shakespeare Third Edition. London: Methuen Drama, 2005.
Shakespeare, William. Richard III. Ed. James Siemon. Arden Shakespeare Third Edition. London: Methuen Drama, 2009.
Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. Ed. David Daniell. Arden Shakespeare Third Edition. London: Methuen Drama, 1998.
