In this seminar we will investigate the conventions of tragedyin the Renaissance. In doing so, we will deal with the beginnings of the theatre in England - the change from more medieval theatre companies that toured the country towards the first playhouses in London - and the genre of tragedy in particular: its status and relation to the other two main genres of drama, comedy and history. We will study texts from various sources and read excerpts from a number of Renaissance tragedies. In the second part of the seminar we will read Shakespeare's King Lear in full. Please get hold of a copy of King Lear (The New Cambridge Shakespeare) (ISBN: 978-0521612630). A Reader for this course will be available in the copy-shop "Reckhammerweg" at the beginning of the semester. |
