Mad, mental or merely maltreated? Strange, sick or simply sad? Daft, dangerous or delightfully different? Many novels, short stories and plays feature characters who do not fit in with their surroundings, who appear to be mad or bad. But are they really, and if so, why? We will study some of these characters and the often bizarre situations they find themselves in and discuss who or what is to blame for their predicament.
learning objectives:
In this course you will learn to …
• Identify key works of English and American literature that explore themes of murder, madness, and mystery.
• Examine literary devices (e.g., symbolism, foreshadowing, Gothic imagery) used to create suspense, horror, and psychological depth.
• Analyze character motivations and how madness or criminal behavior is portrayed.
• Compare thematic elements of murder, madness, and mystery across different texts and periods.
• Critically evaluate the role of unreliable narrators and their impact on readers' perception of truth and reality.
forms of assessment:
*active participation in class
*reading and preparing at home (homework)
*open book quiz
