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GREEK MYTHS RETOLD
$210
In recent years, authors have become inspired to conjure modern takes on ancient Greek myths in best-seller ready, cinematic novels as well as in more explorative, poetic forms. Many of these bring out the inherent juiciness of these perennial tales, while unveiling feminist, queer, and ecstatic undertones buried in the original texts. In this seminar, we’ll read Madeline Miller’s dazzling Circe—undoubtedly a future classic—which retells the story of the Odyssey’s most famous witch, brought to life with heartbreaking fleshiness. Poet Anne Carson’s experimental but strikingly accessible Autobiography of Red revisions a seemingly minor encounter from the trials of Hercules as a sideways—but ultimately revelatory—story of queer infatuation and creative becoming. We’ll also read C.S. Lewis’ classic Till We Have Faces which set a precedent for these other modern texts; a rapturous retelling of the myth of Cupid & Psyche which reveals gorgeous, untold layers of the story and boasts a theological intent worthy of critical reading. Over six weeks, we’ll contemplate the power of myth, its recurrent symbols, and how these, refracted through the lenses of modernity can allow a new, emotionally rich entrance into these tales as old as time.
Texts:
Madeline Miller, Circe
Anne Carson, Autobiography of Red
C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces
This seminar takes place at our new location at 716 SE Grand.
Access Program
We want our writing classes and Delves to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most seminars have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
Jesse Carsten
Jesse Carsten, PhD (they/he) is a mythologist and multidisciplinary artist, poet, musician, and educator. They hold a doctorate in Mythology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a BFA in creative writing and performance studies from the Art Institute of Chicago. Their doctoral thesis centered on the cosmic jazz composer Sun Ra's revolutionary personal mythos as embodied creative practice. Jesse has been composing music under the Half Shadow moniker for more than a decade, and self-publishes essays, chapbooks, and zines. Salt, a book of prose poems and photographic images was published, in collaboration with visual artist B. Ingrid Olsen, by Hassla Press, NYC in 2017.
