The Majesty of Middlemarch

                                                         The Invitation

   The greatest English novel was written by a woman—Mary Ann Evans— who found it necessary to adopt a male pen name, George Eliot.  Middlemarch is a rich, absorbing narrative of depth—and length.  At its center is Dorothea Brooke who pursues a full life that energizes her strong independent mind.  Vital questions are posed: What does it mean to live a good life?  How essential to fulfillment are marriage, religion, independence, and knowledge?  Are intellect and emotion opposing or complementing forces?

  Six classes are scheduled with a one week break after the third class to assure steady progress through the 880 page novel.  Obtain the Penguin Classics edition of Middlemarch. Before the first class, read the “Prelude” and “Book One: Miss Brooke.”  Together we can do this, and enjoy an unforgettable reading experience!
  

                                                              Initial Responses

   "What have I gotten myself into here?"  The question nags at the ear of the first time reader of Eliot's novel.  For readers who have picked up the novel before, the voice says, "This time I'm sticking with it!" 

   For teachers, experience with the novel has an added dimension.  Attend to this anecdote from an esteemed colleague of mine who recollects: "In my 30's I held MM as my all time favorite novel, and one of the high points of my teaching career was when a lovely junior came to me for summer reading recommendations. I provided a list. It included MM. I commented that this was my favorite novel. At the beginning of the next school year, before classes had actually begun, she was in the main hall of the building and spotted me at some distance. She shouted down that long hallway: 'I LOVED Middlemarch!'  Perfect."

   Whether it's down a long hallway, or on a hillock behind your condo, or in a text or phone call to family or friend, I yearn to hear tell of your whoop of wonder when you come to the last sentence of this grand and great book.

     Here's the schedule for a labor of love.


                                                Mustering Through Middlemarch

                            Thursday afternoons, 1-3 pm in October and November 2015 


     10/8  Session One  "Prelude" and "Book One: Miss Brooke"


     10/15  Session Two  "Books Two and Three: Old and Young, Waiting for Death"


     10/22  Session Three  "Books Four and Five: Three Love Problems, The Dead Hand"


     10/29  No Class, Break for Continued Reading


     11/5  Session Four  "Book Six: The Widow and the Wife"


     11/12  Session Five  "Book Seven: Two Temptations"


     11/19  Session Six  "Book Eight: Sunset and Sunrise" and "Finale"