Spend an evening exploring T. S. Eliot’s first masterpiece—one of the most iconic, surprising, and endlessly discussed poems of the 20th century.

Eliot, an American who later became a British citizen, reshaped modern literature with his bold, unsettling, and deeply human voice. Prufrock, the opening poem of his 1917 debut collection, was so unconventional that early publishers called it “absolutely insane.” Today, it remains a touchstone of modernism—mysterious, witty, haunting, and open to countless interpretations.

Sam and Suzanne, known for their warm, engaging teaching style, will guide you through the poem’s inner world: a city gentleman wrestling with doubt, longing, and the fear of choosing wrong. Whether you’re new to Eliot or returning with fresh eyes, this session promises clarity, discovery, and lively conversation.

What to Expect:  

We’ll read the poem together, explore its historical moment, trace its literary allusions, and uncover the story of its unusual path to publication. Along the way, you’ll get a richer sense of Eliot’s life and the creative pressures that shaped this groundbreaking work.

Feedback from past courses with Sam and Suzanne:

“The structured, substantive discussion helped me appreciate the book so much more.”

“I loved the format of this class. Evening classes fit my schedule perfectly.”

“I really enjoyed the selection we read.  The facilitators were well prepared with questions and content designed to draw people into deep discussion. 

“Highly interactive. The facilitators were well prepared and drew everyone into deep discussion. Everyone loved it.”

Wednesday | April 29 | 6 – 7:30pm | IN PERSON (at the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce in Easton) | $30