From Heathcliff to Helen Huntingdon: The Works of the Brontë Sisters

(BA (Anglistik) A4, A7, D2; BA IS A1.2, A 1.3, A 2.1, A 2.5;
Lehramt (alt) A4, A4a, (neu) VM Lit, WM FW/FD, WM FW1/2;
MAIAS A4/C3 (old: A1.4, C1))
PS, 2st., Do 10-12
Ws 2017/2018
Universität Bayreuth

This seminar sets its focus on selected works by Emily, Anne and Charlotte Brontë. Judging from our perspective, they are among the best-known female writers of 19th century Britain. Nevertheless, during their lifetime they preferred to hide their identity and use male pseudonyms when publishing their works. Was society not ready for their works? To answer this question and its implications, we will shed light on the social conditions of that time having a clear focus on the status of women in society. By the help of this knowledge, we will analyse the unconventional and passionate works of the Brontë sisters with regard to style and concept.
Among others, striking aspects to be discussed will be the use of Gothic elements as well as the psychological development of the self to drive the story forward. Hence, this seminar aims at exploring different ways of addressing social issues and concerns that turned the selected works into pieces of art that impress with modernity.

Texts to be obtained by students:
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre