Literature
Join us on our courses as we explore the world of literature, from classic books to poetry. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the works of renowned authors and help you develop a deeper appreciation for the written word. Enroll now and embark on a journey of literary discovery!
‘The Turn of the Screw’ –
a gothic novella
by Henry James
Who is the governess narrator of this strange tale? What’s happening to the seemingly angelic children left in her charge, and how can we tell where reality ends and an uncanny world of the supernatural begins? Reading this late nineteenth century story will lead us to explore the mind of Henry James himself, the role of governesses in fact and fiction, the transformation of the gothic genre and – since this is Leisure Learning – any related topics you might want to raise. Animated discussion is virtually guaranteed.
You will need to bring a copy of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ – any edition.
Poetry: A Twentieth Century Menu
This five week course continues where last term left off, but extends a welcome to new faces and new voices as we explore poets from 1900 to the present day, chosen by popular vote. So far we have looked at Philip Larkin, Simon Armitage, Sylvia Plath, Clive James, W B Yeats, D H Lawrence and Carol Ann Duffy, and our next choices promise to be just as eclectic. You don’t need to be an expert or a dedicated poetry lover to join us, just someone with an open mind who enjoys words, ideas and the company of a friendly group.
Poems to be studied will be provided weekly in booklet form.
WHAT THEY DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT SHAKESPEARE AT SCHOOL
Shakespeare divides people. Many think he is boring and incomprehensible, others think he is exciting and incomparable. Whatever category you fall into (and
there are others!) this you will come away with ideas and information which will enrich your sense of Shakespeare and help to make him very enjoyable.
We will look at such questions as:
How did Shakespeare’s playhouse affect the plays written for it and the way the players acted?
What did Shakespeare’s English sound like?
Where did he find his plots?
What do we know about his life?
When and why did Shakespeare become our national poet?
Who down the years have been the great Shakespeare actors and how did they present his characters?
….and much more!
No previous knowledge is needed.
MoreGeorge Orwell's Essays
George Orwell is best known for his prophetic novel Nineteen Eight-Four but his compellingly expressed and provoking essays deserve to be better-known. In this course we will discuss about ten of his essays most of which can be found in the Oxford Classics edition of Orwell’s Selected Essays. All can be found on-line. Details of which essays to read will be supplied well in advance so that you can mull them over before we meet. The course will encourage open and free discussion.
No previous knowledge is needed.
