Literature

Spring 2012

Browning & the Dramatic Monologue

Novel Discussion Group

BROWNING & THE DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE

Barry Wood

Although there are examples of the dramatic monologue from at least the late sixteenth century, it was Browning who consciously developed it as a distinct form of lyric/reflective poetry.  As Eliot said, Browning “invented the dramatic monologue”, the most flexible and characteristic genre of English verse.  The invention had a considerable influence on later Victorian and Modern poetry—for example,
on the work of John Davidson, Eliot, Pound and Stevens.

The course will consider Browning’s own use of the form in Men and Women and will examine the versatility with which he uses the form to explore a variety of psychological and moral character, personality and attitude. The course will also look at other poets who—whether influenced directly or not— also experimented with and developed the form.

 
Recommended Reading

Browning: Men and Women & Other Poems  (Everyman).  There are several editions of the poems, selected or collected, which will also serve.  Poems by other poets will be distributed during the course.

Day: Thursday      Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm     
Dates:  2 February – 22 March 2012

Venue:
Vestry Room,
St Peter’s House,
Oxford Road,
Manchester
M13 9GH.

Price
Concessions
 Minimum No. Maximum No.
£75
n/a
8
16

Send booking to (preferably at least one month before the start of the course) to:

Barry Wood
12 St Brannock’s Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0UP.

Email: barrywood42@hotmail.com

Go to booking form

 

Novel Discussion Group

Creina Mansfield

This is a discussion group concentrating on twenty-first century novels. We will discuss an eclectic mix, following up on previous themes (such as real people in fiction) and comments about looking at writers from further afield. Also, some favourite writers are back and others are given a second chance......

Oct 15th, 2011: The Long Song (2010) Andrea Levy

Nov 12th, 2011: afternoon session: 1.30-3.30

Adios Hemingway, (2005), Leonardo Padua Fuentes (translated by John King)

Dec 17th, 2011: The Secret Scripture, (2008), Sebastian Barry

Jan 14th, 2012: The Manuscript (2001) Eva Zeller (translated by Nadia Lawrence)

Feb 18th, 2012: On Beauty, (2005) Zadie Smith

Mar 17th: afternoon session 1.30-3.30

Empress Orchid (2004) Anchee Min

 

Day: Saturday Time: 10.30 am-12.30 pm, but, please note in November and March, the sessions will be in the afternoon between 1.30-3.30

6 sessions, starting 15 October 2011 - 17 March 2011

The course started in the autumn, but Creina has agreed to allow newcomers to the group, please contact her for the new price and availability.

Venue:

Friends' Meeting House,
6 Mount Street,
Manchester
M2 5NS

Price
Concessions
 Minimum No. Maximum No.
£70
n/a
10
20

Send booking to:

Creina Mansfield

Beech Court, Beech Hall Drive, Tytherington, Macclesfield, SK10 2EF

email: creinam@tiscali.co.uk phone: 01625 - 511581

Go to booking form