English 354 - Wollstonecraft-Shelley Circle

The dynamic mother-daughter duo of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley is often read as part of the "Godwin-Shelley circle," a cadre of writers circulating around their respective literary husbands. This course will place them at the center of literary innovation, examining their expansive work in multiple genres. Asking what it means to be ardent and provocative women writers during this period, we will discuss their radical politics, their gender theories, and their ideas about literature intervening in the public sphere. We will also consider short pieces by others in their circle, potentially including Godwin, P. Shelley, Mary Hayes, Mary Robinson, Claire Claremont, and Byron.

This course is open to Juniors and Seniors.; Prereq: 8 credits in English.