The masterclass consists of two sessions of 3 hours. Before the start of the masterclass students read I.J.F. de Jong, Narratology and Classics. An introductory Guide, chapters 2, 3, 4.
The sessions are interactive: we read together texts (in English translation, but for details we may look at the Greek or Latin) and discuss questions posed by the instructor. Discussions focus on narratological aspects but may also include what commentaries have to say.
A syllabus with the three chapters and all texts (original and translation) to be discussed will be provided.
Tuesday 14 October, 14-17 pm C.010C
Session one: Beginnings
The beginning of a narrative is a crucial moment. Narratees have to be persuaded to give up all other thoughts and devote their attention to a world created by words. Authors thus always pay much attention to the start of their text. We will look at a sampling of narrative openings in Greek and Latin texts and investigate the various strategies employed by authors.
Thursday 16 October, 14-17 pm C.010C
Session two: The Judgement of Paris
The story of the judgement of Paris is told by many authors. In this session we will look at six versions (Cypria 1, Homer Iliad 24.25-30, Euripides Andromache 274-30, Euripides Troades 914-44, Ovid Heroides 16.39-86, and Colluthus The Rape of Helen 68-191), and investigate how differences in narrator, focalization, and time give each version a very different feel.