2007-08 BM1: Session 2

Back to 2007-08 BM1 Introduction to the Critical and Scholarly Discussion of Literature, Part 1

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• Our present histories of literature show different periodisations
• Two positions towards periods can claim equal justification:

• Periods are given with each period producing its own special literature. The literary works of a period help us to understand the frame of mind of the respective historical era.
• We produce ever changing periodisations to prove historical developments we want to claim as our own cultural heritage. We support our notions of these developments on the basis of a canon of literary works we select so that they will illustrate the different periods.

• The past has played different roles in different centuries.
• The future is a relatively new invention of our debate of history.