This seminar will explore the genre of comedy. Its main objectives are (1) to read closely some famous ancient and modern comedies, and see a few taped or live stage performances; (2) to grasp the esthetics of major writers such as Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Molière, and Beckett; (3) to develop an overall sense of the traditions and cultural contexts of comedy, how comedy has changed over time, and which features have remained constant. Specific topics include: the origins of comedy; the forms and features of “high” and “low” comedy; the conventions and techniques of romantic and satirical comedy; types and functions of laughter; tragicomedy, travesty, and farce.
Requirements and Grading: This is a capstone seminar for English seniors, with an emphasis on practical skills. Attendance is mandatory, and along with participation, will count as 25% of your final grade (or one grade unit). Several brief assignments on individual authors and (option A) one ten-page paper on a major author, period, genre or problem or (option B) two six-page papers. I am open to adapt assignments to your purposes as you conclude your undergraduate education. No final. (Please note: some of the taped material exceeds the two-hour slot: allow for extra time.)

Texts:

• Aristophanes. Four Plays by Aristophanes (The Clouds, The Birds, Lysistrata, The Frogs), tr. Dudley Fitts. Harvest. REQUIRED.
• Plautus. Four Comedies (The Braggart Soldier, The Brothers Menaechmus, The Haunted House, The Pot of Gold), tr. Erich Segal. Oxford World’s Classics. REQUIRED.
• Shakespeare. The Comedy of Errors. Dover Thrift or any ed. REQUIRED.
• Shakespeare. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Signet or any other edn. REQUIRED.
• Molière. The Misanthrope and Tartuffe, tr. Richard Wilbur. Harvest. REQUIRED.
• John Gay. The Beggar’s Opera. Dover Thrift. REQUIRED.
• Gilbert & Sullivan. The Mikado. Dover Thrift. REQUIRED.
• Oscar Wilde. The Importance of Being Earnest. Dover Thrift or any other edn. REQUIRED.
• Anton Chekhov. The Essential Plays, tr. by Micheal Henry Heim. Modern Library Classics. OPTIONAL.
• John M. Synge. The Playboy of the Western World. Dover Thrift or any other edn. REQUIRED.
• Samuel Beckett. Waiting for Godot. Grove. REQUIRED.
• Alfred Jarry. Ubu Roi. Dover Thrift. OPTIONAL.
• Tom Stoppard. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Grove. OPTIONAL.