Who's there? Nay answer me, stand and unfold yourself...
Okay, so, I've finally got round to starting my blog. Tah-dah! Welcome. I'm not going to say how long I've had the page set-up in anticipation of the flow of bon mots that must surely follow (fingers crossed), because it's a pathetically long time, but I will say that, as of this week, I am finally in a position to write regularly about a whole host of (I hope) interesting things.
So, let's make like a GCSE English language exam and state what, why, and for whom is this blog designed?
What? I've decided that I need a place to record my thoughts, feelings, and ideas about all the books, films, plays, music, etc. that I read, watch, and listen to over the weeks.
Why? In part it's simply because I need to remember plot lines (I have a terrible memory), but it's also somewhere I can begin thinking things through about the works I'm engaged with in writing, which really helps when it comes to refining ideas for essays, seminars, etc.
For whom is it intended? Me. And you; if you want to read it too that might be nice...
A little about me then...
I'm currently studying for an MA in Renaissance literature (1500-1700) at the University of York, having received my BA(Hons) in English literature at Southampton. I'm interested in all aspects of early modern literature, but focus mainly on: drama and spectatorship; the reception (early modern and modern) of Classical texts and culture; the politics and history of Caroline theatre; revenge tragedy; and issues of artistic censorship.
At the moment I'm preparing papers on the transmission of rhetoric in the poetry of Thomas Wyatt, early modern conceptions of Ancient Egypt, and Shakespeare's Cymbeline.
This isn't just an academic exercise, however. I also intend the blog to be somewhere I can jot down my thoughts and responses to other stuff that I happen to come across: film, theatre, tv, music, art, etc. or indeed anything else that I feel I have something worth contributing to.
That's all for now. I'll be posting something up soon though and hope you enjoy reading it!
