Freshman Seminar

Bob Dylan has named the nineteenth-century French poet Arthur Rimbaud as one of his major sources of inspiration.   In this seminar we will explore the connections between these two important writers.  First we will read carefully through the poetry and letters of Rimbaud, one of the most original and powerful of modern poets. We will try to get a sense of what makes Rimbaud’s poetry so influential, not only for Dylan, but for a whole host of modern artists.  Then we will study the intersection between Rimbaud’s work and Dylan’s.  Central to our concerns will be the role of the senses in poetic creation, as well as, of course, the relationship between lyric poetry and song.   Students will gain familiarity with the writing of a major modern poet and have the chance to work closely on issues of poetic language and versification.  Students will be expected to participate actively in the discussion and write two short papers.  The course will be in English.  No knowledge of French is required.

Books on order:

Rimbaud, Arthur.  Complete Works, Selected Letters, trans. Fowlie (University of Chicago Press)