Anglo-Irish Literature Bulletin Board

This format emphasizes your written contributions to the discussion of the work we are looking at in class each week, and should give you time to think about what you want to say and contribute it quickly. Remember that you are only "present" if you contribute to the discussion, and those who contribute more, and more thoughtful comments, will get higher marks for participation. Make specific reference to the parts of the work that support your observations. Hit the "reload" button if you're waiting to see what others say in response to you. If you have problems, e-mail me, or call me at 901-587-7877.

Check this bulletin board and your e-mail to keep up with what's going on in this class. I will archive discussions at least weekly, so that we start fresh with different topics.

Given our other commitments and illnesses, perhaps the best way to handle this first on-line meeting is via e-mail. I'd prefer to use the bulletin board; if you can, post your repsonses there--otherwise, use your e-mail's "reply to all" feature. Let's start by talking about the poems in The Rose. I have put together a set of notes on these poems--find them here. Take a look at them, and then start with these questions:

  1. Questions about interpretations or readings of any of the poems are welcome.
  2. These poems present the early Yeats at his most symbolical, at at time when he is involved in Irish nationalism, love of Maud Gonne, and mysticism. His statements about the symbolic qualities of The Rose (see the notes) strike me as not always consistent, and sometimes even contradictory. Which poems do you find most appealling, and what attracts you to them?
Go to the form below to add comments.
Or return to the syllabus page.; return to the index page.