Dear all,
just to let you know I am co-organising a two-day conference in Trinity on the 5th and 6th of December. There is no fee for attendance. The conference should give you an excellent insight into what constitutes an academic event. It is also a wonderful opportunity to hear Professor Michael Hattaway and Dr Martin Wiggins present papers. They are two of the most highly respected academics working on the early modern period. If you are interested just turn up on Friday. For further information just check out my late shakespeare blogspot which can be accessed by clicking on my profile.
Hope your essays are turning out well.
Best wishes,
Rory Loughnane.
Late Shakespeare: Texts and Afterlives
A two-day international conference, held at Trinity College Dublin on 5th & 6th December 2008, interrogating things recent, late, and belated in the study of Shakespearean drama.
Plenary Speakers
Professor Michael Hattaway, MA, PhD, FEA
Emeritus Professor of English Literature, University of Sheffield.
Dr Martin Wiggins, MA, DPhil (Oxon)
Senior Lecturer and Fellow, Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Conference Organisers
Dr Andrew J. Power & Mr. Rory V. Loughnane
Contact information: lateshakespeare@gmail.com
Conference schedule and further information: http://lateshakespeare.blogspot.com
Time & venue: 5.15-8pm, 5th December, Uí Chadhain Theatre, Arts Building, TCD.
9.30am-6pm, 6th December, Uí Chadhain Theatre, Arts Building, TCD.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
General Tips for Essay Writing!
Dear all,
here are a few general tips for writing your essays. These guidelines are by no means definitive, and, of course, everyone has a different writing style, but hopefully you will find these helpful!
* Answer the question!
It's very important to understand exactly what the question is asking of you. Ask yourself why is this question being asked about this text? Are there a number of things that are being asked of me? Are there a number of angles of approach to this question?
* Read the text (again!) with the question in mind.
You might be surprised to find that when you read the primary text again with the question in mind, that the text will open itself up to you in a number of different ways. Again reconsider why the question is being asked.
* Become critically aware.
While your own opinion on the text should shine through, you may find that reading secondary criticism will help you to engage with your own ideas in a better way.
* Use critics but don't rely on them!
Use secondary criticism to help you to express your own opinion as clearly as possible. However, don't merely repeat venerated interpretations of texts. Bear in mind, that these critics are offering their interpretations of texts but you don't have to necessarily agree. Use existing criticism to allow your own ideas to surface. There is no reward for drowning in a sea of disparate quotations!
* Have a clear answer in mind.
Everyone has a different approach to composition. Some people write numerous drafts which enable their ideas and emphasis to change with time. Other people do all their reading first and then piece together their opinions and quotations that support the text etc. etc. However the marker won't know about all your different drafts, or what information you chose to include and what information you chose to omit. The marker can only judge on the material presented. Make sure that you clearly state your opinion and clearly show how you are supporting this opinion using primary and secondary material.
* Be confident in your own opinion!
Essays are your opportunity to show how you have engaged with the text. By the end of the essay the marker should be able to see that you understand the primary material, are aware of the critical and contextual background to the text, and that you can interpret the text in a certain way which answers the question that has been set out.
* School of English style-guide
Have a look at the School of English handbook for information regarding essay formatting and grammar.
Best of luck with the essays! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at loughnrv@tcd.ie .
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to having more great discussions in the New Year!
Best wishes,
Rory.
here are a few general tips for writing your essays. These guidelines are by no means definitive, and, of course, everyone has a different writing style, but hopefully you will find these helpful!
* Answer the question!
It's very important to understand exactly what the question is asking of you. Ask yourself why is this question being asked about this text? Are there a number of things that are being asked of me? Are there a number of angles of approach to this question?
* Read the text (again!) with the question in mind.
You might be surprised to find that when you read the primary text again with the question in mind, that the text will open itself up to you in a number of different ways. Again reconsider why the question is being asked.
* Become critically aware.
While your own opinion on the text should shine through, you may find that reading secondary criticism will help you to engage with your own ideas in a better way.
* Use critics but don't rely on them!
Use secondary criticism to help you to express your own opinion as clearly as possible. However, don't merely repeat venerated interpretations of texts. Bear in mind, that these critics are offering their interpretations of texts but you don't have to necessarily agree. Use existing criticism to allow your own ideas to surface. There is no reward for drowning in a sea of disparate quotations!
* Have a clear answer in mind.
Everyone has a different approach to composition. Some people write numerous drafts which enable their ideas and emphasis to change with time. Other people do all their reading first and then piece together their opinions and quotations that support the text etc. etc. However the marker won't know about all your different drafts, or what information you chose to include and what information you chose to omit. The marker can only judge on the material presented. Make sure that you clearly state your opinion and clearly show how you are supporting this opinion using primary and secondary material.
* Be confident in your own opinion!
Essays are your opportunity to show how you have engaged with the text. By the end of the essay the marker should be able to see that you understand the primary material, are aware of the critical and contextual background to the text, and that you can interpret the text in a certain way which answers the question that has been set out.
* School of English style-guide
Have a look at the School of English handbook for information regarding essay formatting and grammar.
Best of luck with the essays! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at loughnrv@tcd.ie .
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to having more great discussions in the New Year!
Best wishes,
Rory.
The Wife of Bath's Tale: Questions of the week!
Q1. How is the wife described in the General Prologue? Discuss the significance of her clothing and her past foreign adventures.
Q2. The prologue to the wife's tale takes an autobiographical form where she justifies her past actions in life and speaks of her many marital unions. How does she justify her actions and what point, do you believe, is she trying to make to the group of predominantly male pilgrims in her company?
Q3. "Wommen desiren to have sovereyntee / As well over hir housbond as hir love, / And for to been in maistrie hym above. / This is your mooste desir, thogh ye me kille." Is the knight's answer (and moreover the supply of this answer by the "foul wight" to the knight) a critique of the antifeminist movement or a statement of advocacy?
Q4. Discuss the significance of the knight's reward for agreeing to "wise governance." How does this reward fit in with the original crime that the knight perpetrated?
Q2. The prologue to the wife's tale takes an autobiographical form where she justifies her past actions in life and speaks of her many marital unions. How does she justify her actions and what point, do you believe, is she trying to make to the group of predominantly male pilgrims in her company?
Q3. "Wommen desiren to have sovereyntee / As well over hir housbond as hir love, / And for to been in maistrie hym above. / This is your mooste desir, thogh ye me kille." Is the knight's answer (and moreover the supply of this answer by the "foul wight" to the knight) a critique of the antifeminist movement or a statement of advocacy?
Q4. Discuss the significance of the knight's reward for agreeing to "wise governance." How does this reward fit in with the original crime that the knight perpetrated?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Questions of the week! The Franklin's Tale
Q1. How is the Franklin characterised in the General Prologue? Is this consistent with the character portrayal in the interaction between the Franklin, the Squire and the Host at the end of the Squire's Tale?
Q2. How does the prologue to the Franklin's Tale set the tone for the tale?
Q3. Describe and discuss the "equal" relationship between Arveragus and Dorigen and the significance of this for the overall tale.
Q4. Discuss the improbable ending of the tale. Is it merely fitting with other elements of the tale? Or is the happy ending at odds with the action that has preceded it?
Q2. How does the prologue to the Franklin's Tale set the tone for the tale?
Q3. Describe and discuss the "equal" relationship between Arveragus and Dorigen and the significance of this for the overall tale.
Q4. Discuss the improbable ending of the tale. Is it merely fitting with other elements of the tale? Or is the happy ending at odds with the action that has preceded it?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Questions of the Week: The Knight's Tale
1. How does the description of the Knight in the General Prologue inform our reading of The Knight's Tale?
2. Can we trace any Christian elements to the Knight's Tale? If so, where? If not, how does this inform our reading of both the tale and the tale's purpose?
3. For what is Palamoun rewarded in the tale?
4. Discuss the passivity of Emilia in the tale. Does the absence of a female voice affect the balance of the tale?
2. Can we trace any Christian elements to the Knight's Tale? If so, where? If not, how does this inform our reading of both the tale and the tale's purpose?
3. For what is Palamoun rewarded in the tale?
4. Discuss the passivity of Emilia in the tale. Does the absence of a female voice affect the balance of the tale?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Essay questions for Groups 7 & 13.
Romance
Answer on one of the following questions. Students must submit an essay of between 2,500 and 3,000 words. Submission deadlines can be found in the freshman student handbook.
Q1. Discuss the conflict between secular and religious authority in any two texts from the course.
Q2. Write on heroic action in Sir Orfeo.
Q3. Discuss hyperbole and parody in The Tale of Gamelyn.
Q4. Is the knight’s tale suited to the knight? In your answer please consider the characterisation of the knight in the General Prologue.
Q5. Discuss Christian themes, or lack thereof, in The Knight’s Tale.
Q6. Write on social hierarchy in The Franklin’s Tale. Please consider both the characterisation of the Franklin and his narrative.
Q7. Discuss feasting in any text from the course.
Q8. In The Wife of Bath’s Tale and Prologue discuss how female stereotypes are scrutinised. Is the antifeminist tradition being critiqued?
Q9. Discuss the endings in any two texts from the course and analyse how the protagonists are rewarded (justly or unjustly in your opinion) for their actions.
Q10. In any two texts from this course discuss the contrast between courtly love and religious devotion.
Rory Loughnane
loughnrv@tcd.ie
Answer on one of the following questions. Students must submit an essay of between 2,500 and 3,000 words. Submission deadlines can be found in the freshman student handbook.
Q1. Discuss the conflict between secular and religious authority in any two texts from the course.
Q2. Write on heroic action in Sir Orfeo.
Q3. Discuss hyperbole and parody in The Tale of Gamelyn.
Q4. Is the knight’s tale suited to the knight? In your answer please consider the characterisation of the knight in the General Prologue.
Q5. Discuss Christian themes, or lack thereof, in The Knight’s Tale.
Q6. Write on social hierarchy in The Franklin’s Tale. Please consider both the characterisation of the Franklin and his narrative.
Q7. Discuss feasting in any text from the course.
Q8. In The Wife of Bath’s Tale and Prologue discuss how female stereotypes are scrutinised. Is the antifeminist tradition being critiqued?
Q9. Discuss the endings in any two texts from the course and analyse how the protagonists are rewarded (justly or unjustly in your opinion) for their actions.
Q10. In any two texts from this course discuss the contrast between courtly love and religious devotion.
Rory Loughnane
loughnrv@tcd.ie
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Questions of the Week! Gamelyn
Discuss Gamelyn's motivations for his actions. How does he set about retrieving what is rightfully his? And does the conclusion of the story compromise Gamelyn's actions throughout?
Discuss Gamelyn's (mis)treatment of the clergy? How does this affect our interpretation of any religious allegory that may be found in the lay?
Consider the legal issues at the heart of this romance. Is there any political message to be taken?
Is Gamelyn a likeable (anti)hero?
Discuss Gamelyn's (mis)treatment of the clergy? How does this affect our interpretation of any religious allegory that may be found in the lay?
Consider the legal issues at the heart of this romance. Is there any political message to be taken?
Is Gamelyn a likeable (anti)hero?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Questions of the week!
How does our secondary knowledge of the Orpheus myth influence our reading of Sir Orfeo?
The prologue of Sir Orfeo is divided into three parts : the first tells what kind of story Sir Orfeo is; the second, that Orfeo was an exceptionally skilful harper; the third, that he was a man of high birth and authority and that his wife was a paragon of all the virtues. Is there a similar tri-partite division in the main body of the story, and, if so, how does this structure influence our interpretation?
How is the harp the central image of this Romance tale?
Can we see an underlying medieval Christian framework in Sir Orfeo?
The prologue of Sir Orfeo is divided into three parts : the first tells what kind of story Sir Orfeo is; the second, that Orfeo was an exceptionally skilful harper; the third, that he was a man of high birth and authority and that his wife was a paragon of all the virtues. Is there a similar tri-partite division in the main body of the story, and, if so, how does this structure influence our interpretation?
How is the harp the central image of this Romance tale?
Can we see an underlying medieval Christian framework in Sir Orfeo?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Class Schedule
Michaelmas Term
Week One: no tutorial
Week Two: Introduction to Romance
Week Three: Sir Orfeo
Week Four: Tale of Gamelyn
Week Five: Reading Week (no tutorial)
Week Six: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Knight's Tale
Week Seven: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Franklin's Tale
Week Eight: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Wife of Bath
Week Nine: no tutorial
Hilary Term
Week One: no tutorial
Week Two: Chretien de Troyes, The Knight of the Cart
Week Three: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Week Four: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur
Week Five: Reading Week (no tutorial)
Week Six: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur
Week Seven: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, Book I
Week Eight: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, Book VI
Week Nine: no tutorial
Trinity Term
Week One: William Shakespeare, Pericles
Week Two: William Shakespeare, As You Like It
Week Three: Recapitulation
Week One: no tutorial
Week Two: Introduction to Romance
Week Three: Sir Orfeo
Week Four: Tale of Gamelyn
Week Five: Reading Week (no tutorial)
Week Six: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Knight's Tale
Week Seven: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Franklin's Tale
Week Eight: Geoffrey Chaucer, The Wife of Bath
Week Nine: no tutorial
Hilary Term
Week One: no tutorial
Week Two: Chretien de Troyes, The Knight of the Cart
Week Three: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Week Four: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur
Week Five: Reading Week (no tutorial)
Week Six: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur
Week Seven: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, Book I
Week Eight: Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, Book VI
Week Nine: no tutorial
Trinity Term
Week One: William Shakespeare, Pericles
Week Two: William Shakespeare, As You Like It
Week Three: Recapitulation
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