Events/Courses - Event View

Spring is often associated with rebirth and change. It exists in our imaginations both as a season — drawing us to look at and describe the physical world around us — and as a metaphor often rooted in Western mythologies (such as the tale of Persephone). Even when a writer focuses on description or personal reflection, the resonance of metaphor is often felt. 

This class will explore the landscape, myths, and metaphors of spring as they appear in a sampling of poems from Britain and America. We may also read some prose selections. Class members will have the opportunity to work independently — exploring mythological topics and individual poets and writers, sharing their discoveries, and suggesting readings. Students will also have the chance to do their own writing about spring. There is no specific text, but there will be lots of handouts. Class Limit: None

Instructor Ann Nesslage is a graduate of Vassar, with a M.A. in British literature from Bryn Mawr. Ann retired from Choate Rosemary Hall, where she taught different levels of literature including British Studies and world literature. She also created electives in fantasy literature, satire, Early Irish and Welsh literature, and other topics. Ann lives in Bremen, where she enjoys reading and gardening and serves on the Bremen Conservation Commission and the library board. She is also a member of the CSC board and the Curriculum Committee.