Puppet Full of Worms
LIT2577.01
Course Description
Summary
In this course we are tackling the Shakespeare history plays, examining the imperialistic and violent movements of Henrys and Richards, et al, exploring betrayals, battles, the War of the Roses, British history -- as understood in our contemporary time and compared to how it was understood by Shakespeare, who cut his teeth on the histories, spreading both English lore and his own poetic voice far and wide in service of King (Queen) and Country. We will be reading Henry IV, part 1 and 2, Henry V, and Richard III, (some if not all of his parts) in hopes of gaining literary and historical insight into British imperial might, once described by Falstaff, one of Shakespeare's most iconic creations, as "a puppet full of worms."
Learning Outcomes
- Read and analyze Shakespeare history plays
- Study British history and gain deeper context into Shakespeare's understanding and reworking fact into fiction through his plays
- Examine ways in which writing and performance and art can be put to the service of propaganda