"Happiness and unhappiness in eighteenth-century sentimental fiction"
The course will conduct an interdisciplinary analysis of the treatment of happiness and unhappiness in the eighteenth century. The pursuit of happiness was a fundamental concern and theme in eighteenth-century thought. It transcended its previous status as a solely theological or philosophical inquiry subject. It became a central aspect of practical life for individuals across all social strata in the eighteenth century. Notably, happiness was enshrined as one of the core principles in the American Declaration of Independence, a seminal document in modern national governance, affirming that "all men are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".
Additionally, writers of the time grappled with the pursuit of happiness among the populace, with their literary works increasingly showcasing characters' abilities or inabilities to attain earthly happiness. The course will delve into how writers addressed these themes by examining three novels that focus on "sentimental characters", wherein the portrayal of emotions and feelings takes centre stage. The analysis will cover a male sentimental character from a female perspective (in Sarah Fielding's "David Simple"), a prototypical man of feeling seen from a male perspective (in Henry Mackenzie's "The Man of Feeling"), as well as an object of humour and irony (in Laurence Sterne's "A Sentimental Journey"). Finally, the course will explore Jane Austen's treatment of the theme of dejection and worldly happiness within the context of interpersonal relationships in her final published novel, "Persuasion".
Compulsory readings:
Section A. Primary literature (the texts will be discussed in class)
All students are asked to read the following novels entire:
1. Sarah Fielding, "David Simple" (ed. P. Sabor) University of Kentucky Press, see https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232563875.pdf
2. Laurence Sterne, "A Sentimental Journey to France and Italy" (ed. by Melvyn New and W.G. Day, Hackett Classics)
3. Henry Mackenzie, "The Man of Feeling" (ed. by Maureen Harkin, Broadview Press)
4. Jane Austen, "Persuasion" (ed. by James Kinsley, Oxford Classics)
Other materials will be uploaded on the moodle page.
Section B. A general knowledge of the cultural history of the eighteenth century is required to understand the module's contents.
These are the background readings on the cultural context of the eighteenth century and of happiness (which students are requested to read on their own):
1. R. Porter, "Enlightenment: Britain and the Creation of the Modern World" (Penguin, 2000), chapter 11 ("Happiness"), pp. 258-75; BALI library EX4 POR.R/En
2. P. Goring, "Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture" (Continuum, 2008), BALI library EX4 Gor/Eig
(or another introductory text to eighteenth-century culture instead of B3, which can be agreed upon with the teacher)
A general knowledge of the cultural history of the eighteenth century is required to understand the module's contents.
Examination form
Written exam. The test will be made of questions with open answers and will be divided into three parts:
A. Two or three questions on the history of eighteenthth-century literature and culture, general aspects of the course taught in the module, general background as in the critical books (see "Texts" section, Section B ) (each with 6 to 10 line long answers) (Aim 1)* (up to 10/30)
B. A short essay (one sheet long answer) based on one of the literary texts discussed in class; see "Texts", section A (Aim 2) (up to 10/30)
C. Two questions (each with 10 line long answers) on the topics, contents, style, of the "Texts", section A (Aim 3) (up to 10/30)
Students will be allowed to use a monolingual English dictionary only. The use of smartphones, tablets and other devices is not allowed during the exam.
Time allowed: 2 hours
The course will conduct an interdisciplinary analysis of the treatment of happiness and unhappiness in the eighteenth century. The pursuit of happiness was a fundamental concern and theme in eighteenth-century thought. It transcended its previous status as a solely theological or philosophical inquiry subject. It became a central aspect of practical life for individuals across all social strata in the eighteenth century. Notably, happiness was enshrined as one of the core principles in the American Declaration of Independence, a seminal document in modern national governance, affirming that "all men are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".
Additionally, writers of the time grappled with the pursuit of happiness among the populace, with their literary works increasingly showcasing characters' abilities or inabilities to attain earthly happiness. The course will delve into how writers addressed these themes by examining three novels that focus on "sentimental characters", wherein the portrayal of emotions and feelings takes centre stage. The analysis will cover a male sentimental character from a female perspective (in Sarah Fielding's "David Simple"), a prototypical man of feeling seen from a male perspective (in Henry Mackenzie's "The Man of Feeling"), as well as an object of humour and irony (in Laurence Sterne's "A Sentimental Journey"). Finally, the course will explore Jane Austen's treatment of the theme of dejection and worldly happiness within the context of interpersonal relationships in her final published novel, "Persuasion".
Compulsory readings:
Section A. Primary literature (the texts will be discussed in class)
All students are asked to read the following novels entire:
1. Sarah Fielding, "David Simple" (ed. P. Sabor) University of Kentucky Press, see https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232563875.pdf
2. Laurence Sterne, "A Sentimental Journey to France and Italy" (ed. by Melvyn New and W.G. Day, Hackett Classics)
3. Henry Mackenzie, "The Man of Feeling" (ed. by Maureen Harkin, Broadview Press)
4. Jane Austen, "Persuasion" (ed. by James Kinsley, Oxford Classics)
Other materials will be uploaded on the moodle page.
Section B. A general knowledge of the cultural history of the eighteenth century is required to understand the module's contents.
These are the background readings on the cultural context of the eighteenth century and of happiness (which students are requested to read on their own):
1. R. Porter, "Enlightenment: Britain and the Creation of the Modern World" (Penguin, 2000), chapter 11 ("Happiness"), pp. 258-75; BALI library EX4 POR.R/En
2. P. Goring, "Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture" (Continuum, 2008), BALI library EX4 Gor/Eig
(or another introductory text to eighteenth-century culture instead of B3, which can be agreed upon with the teacher)
A general knowledge of the cultural history of the eighteenth century is required to understand the module's contents.
Examination form
Written exam. The test will be made of questions with open answers and will be divided into three parts:
A. Two or three questions on the history of eighteenthth-century literature and culture, general aspects of the course taught in the module, general background as in the critical books (see "Texts" section, Section B ) (each with 6 to 10 line long answers) (Aim 1)* (up to 10/30)
B. A short essay (one sheet long answer) based on one of the literary texts discussed in class; see "Texts", section A (Aim 2) (up to 10/30)
C. Two questions (each with 10 line long answers) on the topics, contents, style, of the "Texts", section A (Aim 3) (up to 10/30)
Students will be allowed to use a monolingual English dictionary only. The use of smartphones, tablets and other devices is not allowed during the exam.
Time allowed: 2 hours
- Teacher: Flavio GREGORI