Next Week: Herbert

Preparation for After Reading Week:

As usual, the reading in bold type is a compulsory part of the course and everything else is optional but highly recommended.

Read the selection of Herbert’s poems in the Norton Anthology.

Points to think about:

- What impressions of God emerge from Herbert’s text? With what roles/figures is he identified? How does Herbert address him?
- What idea do you get of Herbert’s ideas about poetry and literary creativity? Is this reflected in the style and content of his own poems?
- Which aspects of the text would you identify as Calvinist?
- Are there aspects of the text which are difficult to reconcile with a Calvinist perspective?

Optional secondary reading:

- Elizabeth’s essay on Herbert that can be found on the course website.
- It might also be useful to think about the religious and political climate of 1630s England. Useful chapters to look at are: Chapter 5 of Kishlansky ‘The Reign of Charles I, 1629-1637’ or David L. Smith, A History of the Modern British Isles, Chapter 4 ‘The Personal Rule of Charles I’.

Unassessed essays are due to be submitted in the first seminar after Reading Week.
Information about these, including titles, can be found on the course website. if you have any questions at all, feel free to get in touch.

Alice Eardley : 06 Nov 2009 11:01 |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem