This course offers a closer look at the changing world of espionage stories over the last century and beyond. Through the lens of this gripping genre, we will also learn modes of analysing different forms of narrative, employing techniques from close reading to the consideration of narrative arcs and patterns.
We will begin with an introduction to the historical context and development of the spy genre in the 19th and early 20th century. We will consider how spy fiction is constructed in novels as well as film and TV. Taking some classic works as examples, we will look at patterns that recur across spy fiction, from certain plot shapes to character types, and how these have changed over the last century.
Spy fiction combines ideological battles and international politics. But it also rests on the tensions of disguise, deception, and decipherment, as well as the more fundamental human drives of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. We will consider the ways in which time and space are manipulated in spy fiction to increase narrative drive or to disclose hidden details to the reader or viewer. Because time and space are fundamental to human experience and story construction, the discussion of these themes will also enhance our analytical understanding of narrative more generally, with a look at some key theorists on the topics. We will also focus on the question of perspective in spy fiction, a question that is particularly crucial to this genre because of its focus on politics, morality, and point of view. Who is telling the story and how morality is constructed significantly colours our experience as readers and viewers.
This course will offer a behind-the-scenes view of the intricacies of this thrilling genre, giving both an overview and an in-depth analysis of patterns and developments in spy fiction across the ages.
Learning outcomes
- To gain a deeper understanding of trends and techniques common to spy fiction;
- To learn about the history and background of spy fiction, considering different works in their historical and contemporary contexts;
- To gain ability in modes of analysis in different forms of narrative, both with the skills of close readings and broader consideration of narrative arcs and tropes.
