Letters feature prominently in novels of the eighteenth century and novels-in-letters were among the first expressions of the novel form itself. In this seminar, we will not only aim at reconstructing the rise and decline of the epistolary novel as exemplified by Samuel Richardson's immensely popluar if controversial bestseller Pamela (1740) and Jane Austen's earliest work Lady Susan (written 1793-94), but also look for traces and transformations of letters in prose fiction up to the age of email and social media.
Every student is expected to read both texts in preparation for this seminar.
- Lehrende/r: Can Cakir
Semester: WT 2024/25