The Sensational Novel 8211 Lady Audley's Secret The Moonstone and Dracula

This seminar concentrates on the sensational novel - a genre that reached the peak of its popularity in 60s and 70s nineteenth century England and is certainly one of the most influential forms of literary creation during the Victorian age. The sensational novel emerged in a period of rapid cultural transition and increasing social and intellectual insecurity - processes that are reflected in the textuality of many sensational novels. The main questions that should be answered in connection with this literary form could, therefore, be summarised as follows: What are the main characteristics of the sensational novel? What is the role of historical context for the development of the genre in England? What are the reasons for the sheer popularity of the genre in the second half of the nineteenth century? How did the genre evolve through the years and how did it influence other forms of literature? The course will begin by exploring the characteristics of the novel as a literary genre, followed by outlining the main characteristics of the sensational novel and then develop a detailed textual analysis of some of the most influential works during the Victorian age. The course will conclude with an overview of the way the sensational novel influenced other artistic forms and literary genres in English culture. While the course will include a discussion of extracts from various sensational novels, the following three books will be read in full: Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Lady Audley's Secret; Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone; and Bram Stoker, Dracula. Students are asked to purchase these three books (any edition they find appropriate) and to have read Lady Audley's Secret by the beginning of the semester. Anglistik All students should have read the first of the novels - Lady Audley's Secret - before the start of the seminar. Please be advised that participation in the seminar requires a considerable amount of reading! General Requirements - Regular participation; active contribution to the discussion; a short term paper and/or oral presentation on a selected topic 2 Kreditpunkte - Short oral presentation and/or short written assignment (1000-1500 words) 5 Kreditpunkte - Short oral presentation and a short written assignment (2500 - 3000 words) Universität Siegen SoSe 2010 M.A. Drenkov Boris M.A