ENGL218

Bloody Satisfaction: Revenge from the Greeks to Kill Bill

15 points

Not offered 2017, offered in 2013, 2014

For further information see Humanities

Description

Greek literature gives us many examples of bloody and terrible revenge - examples that have not been lost on those who followed them. This course will focus on revenge in texts ranging from Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy to Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill. In the process, we will see how revenge has been understood and portrayed since classical times. As we examine this theme, we will also analyze the roles played in revenge narratives by cultural constructs such as race, class, and gender. A note of caution: Many of the texts in this course include fairly graphic violence and disturbing incidents. If you do not like reading about or viewing representations of: swordfights, beheadings, poisonings, rape, adultery, animal deaths, live burials, and the like, then this course is not for you.

Prerequisites

15 points of ENGL at 100 level with a B pass, or
30 points of ENGL at 100 level, or
any 45 points from the Arts Schedule RP: ENGL107 Shakespeare

Recommended Preparation

ENGL107 Shakespeare