How Literature and Books Can Tell Us More about Ourselves and Our Lives

Tutor: Anne Gormley, B.A. H. Dip in Ed. Hons, M.A. Mod English Literature/Hons

“Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart.”   Salman Rushdie.

Reading offers an oasis and haven in a world torn by war and conflict, but it also restores peace and serenity when life’s difficulties become overwhelming. And reading not only improves concentration but it enables us express our own stories in richer ways.

Novels unleash in us all the joys and misfortunes which otherwise can take many years to know but a few. In reading good books/Literature I become a thousand men/women and yet remain myself. I see with a thousand eyes, but I am still myself who sees. Every good book we read expands our view of the world.

Join us in this popular course and allow yourself to be transported to different worlds where you will meet new and exciting people. You may find yourself in the thrilling landscape of the Brontes or the enthralling beauty of west Cork or on the Scottish heath amid witches and Kings, or even in a Jewish ghetto in London.

This autumn we plan to explore some of Shakespeare’s tragedies and romantic comedies along with some contemporary Irish writers such as William Butler Yeats, Colm Tóibín, Clare Keegan, Eavan Boland and others.

This course consists of 24 workshops where we will discover how Drama, Poetry, Fiction and Short Stories can change and energise us, offering fresh new insights on people and events. We take a look at not just the literary work itself but the life of the writer and what stimulated them to create new worlds. Our capacity for language will become revitalised and our imaginations and inner worlds more enriched and inspired.

This year early in spring we travelled as a group to the moors of Yorkshire and experienced the home and atmosphere of the Brontes. We now hope to embark on new and exciting territory.

Halfway through the course in 2025/26, we plan to make a Literary Pilgrimage

to Paris following in the footsteps of literary giants such as Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and many others.

Join us for stimulating sessions on:

Women in Literature past, present and future

Learning from certain themes in English literature-Fear, Violence, Conflict…

Society in Literature past, present and future

The dark side of humanity in literature- what does that tell us about ourselves?

What is it about Books that lures us in and helps us escape?

What makes a good story?

What can we learn from books that will help us be happier people?

Please note, this is a 24 week course spread over the autumn and the spring term at the price of €145 per term or you have the option to pay for the two terms together at a discounted price of €280 for the 24 weeks.