Theories of the Novel

Catalog description

What is a novel, and what does it do? As a literary form, it can be hard to define, ranging widely in length, structure, and style. As a social experience, the novel has been credited through the years with both creating community and corrupting young minds. At the intersection of these concerns lie questions like: Is the novel a liberating or coercive form? Does it support or challenge mainstream values? Is it a fundamentally private or public experience? We’ll read novels spanning several centuries, and we’ll anchor our conversations with some of the most interesting and foundational novel theory. Restriction: No freshman permitted. Offered regularly.