WiSe 17/18: PS-Medieval English Literatures II: Basilisks, Dragons and the Manticore: Animals in Medieval English Literature
Regina Scheibe
Comments
Modern-day animal imagery is strongly dependent on ancient and medieval animal lore. Thus, writers such as James Joyce and J. K. Rowling are drawing on medieval bestiaries, and Disney productions are strongly indebted to the ancient animal fable and the medieval beast epic tradition. In a similar way as medieval animal imagery influenced and still influences modern culture, the knowledge on animals in the Middle Ages was strongly indebted to ancient natural history, travel literature, and early Christian texts. Frequently, the faulty transfer of early animal lore was responsible for the creation of fictitious animals, such as the basilisk, dragon, manticore (‘man eater’), or unicorn. This transfer of knowledge served anthropocentric purposes which will be explored in class. Furthermore, the class will aim at discussing medieval man’s attitude to and use of animals as revealed in Old English, Middle English and Middle Scots literature. Special attention will be paid to the animal as an educational tool for all levels of medieval society. We shall study entries in John Trevisa’s natural encyclopaedia On the Property of Things and passages from the so-called Wonders of the East and read the Old and Middle English Physiologus versions as well as bird debate poems, fables, and tales of the beast epic.
A reader of the relevant primary texts will be made available to students at the beginning of the semester.
Assessment: Each week texts will be earmarked for study at home and discussion in class. The final mark will be based on participation in class, a brief presentation, and a 2,000-word final essay.
Language of instruction: English. Required language level: C1-C2.
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Regular appointments