116-018 Classical and Contemporary Novel

116-133 French I: Language B. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed first year European studies.

In this subject students will study a selection of novels from the 19th and 20th centuries, analysing their narrative structures, and developing an awareness of their social and political contexts. Various theories of narrative will be used to facilitate an understanding of the evolution of the French novel. At the end of this subject students should be able to analyse the narrative structure of various novels; show a knowledge of the evolution of prose narration in French literature; demonstrate critical awareness of the social, political and ideological context of each novel. The subject will be taught in French.

• be able to analyse the narrative structure of a series of 19th and 20th century novels;

• demonstrate critical awareness of the social, political and ideological context of these novels.

A classpaper of 1600 words 35%, an essay of 2400 words in French 55% and class tests 10%.

• Balzac, Le Lys dans la Vallée. Gallimard 1951.
• Flaubert, Madame Bovary. Gallimard 1976.
• Proust, Du côté de chez Swann. Gallimard 1988.
• Salvyre, La Puissance des Marches. Editions du Seuil 1997.