Studies in 16th-Century Literature (431-0-20)
Topic
Early Modern Horror
Instructors
Kathryn Sydney Evans
Meeting Info
University Hall 418: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This seminar will bring together literary texts from the English Renaissance, ancient and Renaissance theories of spectatorship and catharsis, and academic criticism and theory on contemporary horror fiction and film. Juxtaposing theoretical texts ranging from Aristotle to Carol Clover, we will consider the ways in which early modern narratives and theatrical productions anticipate horror fiction and film of the 20th and 21st centuries. Across three main units—on revenge tragedy, witches, and monsters—we will consider what psychological, cultural, and civic functions are served by the publication and performance of horror. Methodologically, we will consider the validity and value of a diachronic approach that juxtaposes Renaissance and contemporary texts without relying on direct and documentable examples of authorial influence.
The following books will be available for purchase at Norris; other assigned reading will be available for download on Canvas. You may substitute alternate editions of texts—including facsimiles available through EEBO or online editions available through NU Library—so long as you're willing to contend with different sets of explanatory notes, page numbers, and so on.
Class Materials (Required)
Aristotle, Poetics ISBN 978-0140446364
Julia Kristeva, The Powers of Horror, ISBN 978-0231053471
William Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus, ISBN 978-1350030916
Thomas Middleton, The Revenger's Tragedy, ISBN 978-1472520456
John Webster, The Duchess of Malfi, ISBN 978-1904271512
James I, Daemonologie ISBN 978-0738723457
Henricus Institor, Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches) ISBN 978-0719064432
William Shakespeare, Macbeth, ISBN 978-1904271413
Ambroise Paré, excerpts from On Monsters and Marvels (English translation) ISBN 978-0226645636
Marie de France, Bisclavret, ISBN 979-8863454115