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Whether beloved or abhorred, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is known for producing strong reactions in its readers. This passionate tale, detailing a love story that unfolds across generations, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Its parallel structure and Gothic elements can be confusing and, although its place in the Western canon is widely confirmed, the story is commonly misunderstood. Many idealize the tragic love affair of Heathcliff and Catherine and fall prey to overly romanticizing Brontë’s work. Others are reviled by this selfish pair and reject Brontë for upholding a twisted vision of love. Both of these readings, however, miss the true nature of this masterpiece.

This sounds like a job for a little good, literary reading! Join us in November for a CenterForLit Seminar as we rediscover Brontë’s classic tale and attempt to understand why it has stuck around for almost 200 years. You may just discover a new favorite where you did not expect to find one! Either way, we’d love to have you come join the discussion.

Details

  • Age Level – This seminar is appropriate for the high school level and above. Adults are welcome to join!

  • Time – Classes will meet between 1:00 - 2:30pm Pacific Time (4:00 - 5:30pm Eastern Time) from November 12-15, 2018.

  • Requirements – Participants will be required to read Wuthering Heights in full before our first meeting on November 12th.

  • Technology – We will use the Zoom webinar service (included in tuition), which provides screen-sharing and live audio with chat. Students raise hands to participate aloud or chat live with fellow participants.

  • Recordings – Class notes and recordings will be made available to all students.

  • Features – Students will have access to a class webpage with supplemental resources and discussion boards, moderated by the instructors.

  • Tuition – $119 (Pelican Society: $107)

Schedule

Day 1: Monday November 12th (1:00 - 2:30pm Pacific Time / 4:00 - 5:30pm Eastern Time)

Context and Setting

We will talk about the Gothic genre and its significance in undergirding the author’s theme. We will compare and contrast the settings of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange as a means to understanding the story’s framework.

Day 2: Tuesday November 13th (1:00 - 2:30pm Pacific Time / 4:00 - 5:30pm Eastern Time)

Characters

With an in-depth character study of the story’s main players and a discussion of the Byronic hero archetype, we will begin to unpack the parallel structure of Wuthering Heights and catch a glimpse of Brontë’s true purpose for the work.

Day 3: Wednesday November 14th (1:00 - 2:30pm Pacific Time / 4:00 - 5:30pm Eastern Time)

Plot and Conflict

In true Teaching the Classics fashion, we will plot the events of the story, paying close attention to conflict and climax.

Day 4: Thursday November 15th (1:00 - 2:30pm Pacific Time / 4:00 - 5:30pm Eastern Time)

Conclusion and Theme

How does the story fit into the Great Conversation? What does Brontë have to say to us about the nature of love and reality, and do we agree with her?

*Upon registration you will receive an email containing a downloadable packet with information and instructions regarding accessing webinars and the Google classroom platform.*

Registration for this event is now closed.

We appreciate the responsibility involved in choosing curriculum materials for your students, and we ask you to make this decision carefully. If your plans change and your student must withdraw from a class, CenterForLit can transfer your registration to a different class or to a future term; however, THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATIONS.