This course focuses on the relationship between (physical and mental) spaces and the formation of the self, a connection that has become prominent with the spatial turn in the humanities and the currency of constructivist concepts of space. Spaces and selves are interdependent: selves are partly constituted through the spaces they live and move in, and conversely, individuals produce specific spaces through their spatial practices, through the use they make of them and the meaning they attribute to them. In addition, we will look at the impact space has on the specific form of writing, on the structure and generic make-up of the literary text. Our theoretical investigations into ‘spaces and selves’ will be accompanied by the study of a number of literary texts, which include the following (and which I would ask you to read before the beginning of the semester): William Wordsworth, The Prelude (1805 version) Bryher, Two Novels: Development and Two Selves (ed. Joanne Winning) Christopher Isherwood, Lions and Shadows Sarah Waters, Tipping the Velvet Hilary Mantel, Giving Up the Ghost Jeanette Winterson, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? Further material will be made available at the beginning of the semester. |
