Learning Outcomes
Students will
- get acquainted with Solomos's most important, lyrical and satirical, works
- get familiar with some important moments of Solomos's critical perception
- inquire the relation between poetry, society, history and critic
- relate Solomos's literature with the historical and political situation of his era
- get acquainted with methodological and filological issues intrinsic of the reading of literature and in particular the literary work of Solomos
- will practice reading aloud
- explore the poet's literary workshop through his archive
Course Content (Syllabus)
D. Solomos as the beginning of modern Greek literature
One of the most important writers of modern Greek literature, Dionysios Solomos is recognized today as the beginning of modern Greek literature and continues to influence writers and readers alike. Although he is well known for his Hymn to Freedom and some other poems associated with the Greek Revolution, he remains rather unknown for the rest of his important lyrical and satirical work.
The course therefore seeks to introduce its audience to the lesser known or even unknown aspects of the Solomonic universe. It will examine and comment on Solomos' works with emphasis on themes, style, character development, and key concepts in his poetry; it will trace the poet's formation and development. He will share the experience of his literary workshop and observe the process of composing his works. He will examine key milestones in the history of their reception.
By the end of the course, students will have gained a better understanding of this important author and will be able to think critically about poetic creation, what makes Solomos' work a classic, and why it is relevant to today's readers.
Keywords
Solomos, poetical work and prose, literature and politics, national poet, european poet, reception, critic, archive