This course considers comedy, both as a dramatic genre and more broadly, as the expression of something amusing or satirical in nature, in Britain during the Restoration and eighteenth century. Readings will range widely over several literary forms, and will include plays, farces, essays, caricatures, verse, jestbooks, and novels. Secondary readings in genre theory and modern literary criticism will complement our primary source readings.
Assessment
Requirements: leading the seminar in examining a critical article (30%); an abstract presentation (10%); a conference-style seminar paper (40%); participation (20%). A sense of humour is crucial.