106-407 Pope and His Enemies

Formerly available as 106-016/244/344. Students who have completed 106-016 or 106-244/344 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in English, see Honours entry.

This subject investigates the complex of ideals and hostilities that comprised the English literary world at a crucial point in its development of canons of taste and 'good form'. As a prime figure in early 18th century literature, Pope had fierce detractors as well as keen admirers, and his own embattled position suggests the deep conflicts (political, religious, social and sexual) characteristic of the age. Amongst topics to be considered are satire and the discourse of classicism, Augustan mythologies, landscape, the theatre and the universities, the changing fortunes of Pope's poetry from publication till now. Also relevant will be his friendship with other writers such as Swift and Gay, his quarrels with booksellers and editors, and the relationship between 18th century writing and the other arts.