English 891TA - S- Talking Animals

There is a strong likelihood that most writers? love of literature began with a talking animal of one sort or another and endowing an animal with human consciousness may be one of the oldest of literary gambits. This seminar will examine the form and theory of fiction through the lens of stories and novels whose main characters are something other than human. Among other questions we shall seek to answer: What may it mean to cast as one?s central character a non-human being in different times and cultures and contexts, and what effects do such narratives produce? Readings will feature classic and contemporary works from around the world and from numerous traditions and genres (including children's lit, fables and fairy tales, horror, fantasy, etc.).

This class is open to English graduate students only.