The Shaping of Modern Literature

3 units

Hardy, at the end of an era and on the cusp of transition, and Kafka, a central paradigm of modernism, may seem an odd couple. But when we read them together, feel their relentless tragi-comic resistance to cultural solace and synthesis, they have real chemistry and illuminate the philosophical, historical and narrative passages from the 19th to 20th century. Major readings and discussion of Hardy's Tess, Jude, selected poetry, autobiographical and journal entries of both authors, Kafka's stories and fables.