Comparative Literature

Tragedy and Theodicy: The Literature of Suffering and Redemption

Peter Paik, Associate Professor

FULL

Course: COMPLIT 192 SEM 001

Class Number: 33626

Credits: 3 HU

Time: TR 11:00-12:15 p.m.

Place: CRT 209

Course Description:

Why do bad things happen to good people? Tragedy and theodicy provide two contrary approaches for explaining the suffering of the innocent, or crimes and injustices that go unpunished. Theodicy, which is associated with Plato and the Gospels, takes the view that suffering can be justified and evil overcome because there is a reality higher than that of the physical world. Tragedy, by contrast, typically does not appeal to a higher order of reality, such as the Kingdom of Heaven or the Platonic realm of ideas, but instead seeks to portray human character without recourse to these forms of thought and belief. In this course, we will examine the clash between these two opposed points of view - is a belief an afterlife or a transcendent realm necessary for justice? Or do such beliefs cover over harsh and bitter truths about human existence? We will read the plays of Sophocles and Eurpides, the Bible, selections from Plato's dialogues, and a drama by William Shakespeare.

Work Involved:

Students will keep a journal of responses to the reading and to the discussion in class. There will be on-line discussions, as well as an occasional screening. Students will also write three short papers, which will emerge from the discussions and short writing assignments. Grading will be based on writing assignments and class participation. There is no formal exam in the course.

Sample Reading:

Sophocles, The Theban Plays (Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone) Euripides, The Trojan Women and Hecuba The Bible: Genesis, Job, the Gospels, Romans Lao-Tse, Tao Te Ching

About the Instructor:

Peter Y. Paik earned his PhD in Comparative Literature from Cornell University in upstate New York. He just finished writing a book about science fiction and political theory, titled From Utopia to Apocalypse, which will be coming out at the end of the year. Though his recent research has focused on popular culture, Peter is interested in how contemporary forms, such as comics, continue to raise the questions that have fascinated and haunted human beings since ancient times. What is the nature of a good life? How should one confront danger and bear suffering? How should one act when one is forced to choose between two forms of good?