Magpie’s Miscellany: A Seminar of Comparative Literature at Hunan Normal University

Why a magpie? In European folklore, the magpie is known as a collector of things of value; just as this seminar seeks to collect and share ideas and literature from around the world, and facilitate their appreciation with our scholars and students. In many cultures magpies are symbols of good luck and joy, as the first character of their Chinese name (喜鹊) suggests happiness. Also, importantly, there are three species of magpies living around the Foreign Studies Building at Hunan Normal University—they are azure-winged, oriental and red-billed blue magpies—so they are a symbol of the specific and special place in which we work and study.

This seminar hopes to build bridges between scholars and students both in China and abroad, reflect on literary works of value, and introduce noteworthy academic work to a broader audience. That is to discuss and learn about literature and literary criticism, and have some fun along the way. Also to promote the understanding of comparative literature and an appreciation for literature more generally among the students of Hunan Normal University.

First Seminar

David A. Porter

17:30, 22 September, 2022 (Thursday)

Rewriting ancient poetry when you are about to be murdered:
Seamus Heaney and Miklós Radnóti’s eclogues.