Children’s Literature: English Pastoral Tradition
S05
April Bernard
The works of Beatrix Potter, Kenneth Grahame, Frances Hodgson Burnett, A.A. Milne, C.S. Lewis remain central to any discussion of literature. To read these works through adult eyes involves bringing to bear the pressure of close reading—that is, analysis of sentence structure, plot, theme, and narrative itself. We will also ask: What is the Pastoral? What is Innocence? What is Pathos? What’s with all the talking animals? Students will be expected to read widely, and critically, in primary and related works (by Ovid, Virgil, Milton, among others): to present research in contextual material to the class, to make some stabs at writing children’s stories themselves; and to write critical papers. Open to all students prepared to check their expectations of cuteness and cuddliness at the door.