The 1930s are a decade often neglected in English literary history. Sandwiched between high-profile classical modernism and post-WWII postmodernism, it seems to lack a distinct profile. These politically turbulent years were characterized by economic instability, international conflicts and notable intellectual allegiances to both communism and fascism. Aesthetically, continuations of the modernist project or more traditional forms like the domestic novel as well as direct engagements with the contemporary political situation exist side by side and produce a great diversity of texts that testify to the heterogeneity of this period. In this course we will study a number of these literary products and visions and their contexts. Please read the following novels, beginning with The Waves: Virginia Woolf, The Waves Vita Sackville-West, All Passion Spent Ivy Compton-Burnett, A House and Its Head Christopher Isherwood, Mr Norris Changes Trains; Stevie Smith, Novel on Yellow Paper Graham Greene, Brighton Rock; George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying Further material will be made available at the beginning of the semester. |
