GRST 328 - Anne Carson and the Poetry of Translation

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

In this Intensive we devote ourselves to the close reading of selected works of the genre defying Anne Carson– classicist, translator, poet, novelist and critic. In her work she deftly weaves her lifelong study of Greek and Latin literature with her own fiercely imaginative refiguring of ancient texts, moving seamlessly between acts of translation and the fulfillment of her own poetic vision. Our readings include examples of her more traditional translations as well as of her bolder works, such as her multimedia Nox, where she interweaves a translation of Catullus 101 with a meditation on her brother’s death, If not, Winter, where she forces her reader to grapple with the almost entirely fragmentary nature of Sappho’s poems, or her Norma Jeane Baker of Troy, a performance piece where she brings together Helen of Troy and Marilyn Monroe. We also consider some of her essays as well as critical assessments of her work. Rachel Friedman.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Knowledge of Greek or Latin not required.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: INT