Charles Lamb, Essayist
Course Description
It is to Charles Lamb (1775-1834) and his sister Mary that English literature owes Tales from Shakespeare (1807), adaptations from the plays intended to make them accessible for children and still in print today. By publishing studies of the work of such playwrights as Thomas Dekker and John Fletcher, Lamb also helped to revive interest in other Elizabethan dramatists. The object of this course, however, will be to examine Lamb as the author of what are known as familiar essays. He published these texts under the pen name of Elia between 1820 and 1825 in the London Magazine. Dealing with a great variety of contemporary as well as more timeless topics, these texts are notable for their familiar tone and their humour (word play). At the same time they give their readers an idea of 18th-century society and mores. The seminar is addressed to students who wish to familiarize themselves with the essay as a genre and with Lamb's particular use of it.
Required Reading: Selected primary and secondary material which will be made available for copying at the start of the semester.
Prerequisites: Einführungskurs "Introduction to the Study of Literature"
Requirements for Credit: regular attendance, oral presentation, and term paper
Registration: To register, please send an e-mail to Dr. Egbert.
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Charles Lamb
