This discussion group, led by JoEllen Collins, will explore the life and works of Mark Twain, one of America’s best and most beloved writers. The group will explore some of the darker sides of Twain’s perspective, as well as questions of political correctness in the context of Twain’s era and how they fit into our picture of life today through a selection of Twain’s novels, short stories, and unfinished works.
The group will meet Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m., April 23 to May 21 in the Program Studio (downstairs from the Children’s Library).
Attendees are asked to read Huckleberry Finn before the first class. During class, the group will read excerpts from Life on the Mississippi and other writings. Copies of these selections will be provided to attendees during the first class.
Syllabus:
April 23 – Introduction to Twain
April 30 – Huckleberry Finn
May 7 – Life on the Mississippi
May 14 – “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg” and other satire
May 21 – Summary and introduction to The Mysterious Stranger
No registration is required. Drop-ins are welcome, but attendees are encouraged to attend as many of the classes as possible.
JoEllen Collins has spent her life in communication and as an English, ESL, and speech teacher at Santa Monica and Beverly Hills High Schools, Santa Monica College, the Peace Corps in Thailand, College of Southern Idaho, and the Sun Valley Community School. She has also taught adult classes in James Joyce and, recently, “The Poet in You” at The Community Library. Teaching great literature is a passion, and she is delighted to discuss a lesser known side of Mark Twain.
