Read, discuss, and savor Shakespeare with John and Suzanne, starting with King Lear, the searing tale of an old king who tries to put a price tag on his daughters’ love.

The Savoring Shakespeare series will explore Shakespeare’s works at a relaxed pace, the better to enjoy the heights and plumb the powerful depths. We will read the plays together, discussing plot, themes, and our feelings as we go along. John Miller and Suzanne Sanders will assist, giving definitions and highlighting key details, but the main direction of the classes will be decided by your interests. We hope to cover an act a week. You can come for one play, some, or all.

King Lear is the first play we’ll explore. It’s an unflinching look at the ways age, self-awareness, and mental illness tangle with love and duty. From the poetry of forgiveness to the grisly prose of grudging evil, there’s plenty to discuss. To keep us on the same page, we recommend getting the Folger Shakespeare Library’s version of King Lear, edited by Barbara Mowatt and Paul Werstine, 2004.

Join us for the premier course of our new series, where we give the Bard’s masterpieces the time they deserve.

What to Expect: 

By strolling through this play together, we will help one another enjoy Shakespeare’s unparalleled insights into the human condition. Reading and discussing, we’ll strengthen our understanding of the plot, themes, and characters. We’ll take the time to appreciate his word play and imagery. And we’ll touch on the great philosophical and social questions raised by King Lear.

Feedback from John and Suzanne’s past courses:

“Interesting, astute, great reading, and enlightening discussion.”

“The facilitators were well prepared and enthusiastic which created an inclusive, comfortable environment for participation. Wonderful discussion.”

“The instructors of this course are not only knowledgeable and passionate about their subject; they are giddily happy by it! Infectious!”

“I absolutely loved this class. Suzanne is marvelous. She really helped us understand and enjoy Shakespeare, ********** 10 Stars”

IN PERSON course at the Easton Family YMCA (no recording) 5 sessions | Tuesdays | Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 1 – 2:30 pm | $50

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John Miller, Ph.D

John Miller has taught literature courses at both secondary and college levels, including American Literature at the University of Clermont-Ferrand, France, under a Fulbright Fellowship. He has also taught at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Washington College, American University, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Academy for Lifelong Learning. Given his interest in things maritime he taught a course on literature of the sea as Visiting Lecturer and member of the University of Virginia’s faculty on two separate round-the-world voyages with UVA’s “Semester at Sea” program. John is also involved in several local non-profit organizations, currently serving as President of Allegro Academy, and board member of Chesapeake Forum. John earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, with a BA from Yale.

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