This course surveys figurations of the devil in literature, from John Milton’s fallen angel to the beastly Judge who presides over Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. We’ll study the form and function of texts across several genres, focusing on elements of literature including imagery, narration, and characterization. As we do, we’ll also consider the ethical and political significance of textual representations of Satan.

Course readings also include Flannery O’Connor’s The Violent Bear it Away, Mikhail Bulgokov’s The Master and Margarita, Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, excerpts from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust, and a variety of short fiction. At least one film will be shown, to be decided at a later date.

This course can be taken to fulfill the “W” requirement. Requirements include regular attendance and participation, presentations, midterm and final exams, and one 12-15 page final essay.