463. SHAKESPEARE’S KING LEAR

John Lutz

King Lear may be Shakespeare’s most important exploration of power and social justice. Lear’s abdication of power puts in motion a civil war that leads his kingdom to the brink of destruction. Lear’s dispossession allows Shakespeare to explore major themes such as betrayal, ambition, and inequality even as it endorses the humane power of empathy as a potential antidote to cruelty and self-interest.

We will use the Folger Library edition.

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.                                                                                                                               4 Sessions

Wednesdays, June 4, June 11 (no class on June 18 and 25), July 2, July 9                          Fee:  $160

ABOUT THE LECTURER

John Lutz is Professor of English and oversees a university Division of Humanities which houses English, Philosophy, and Foreign Language. In addition, he has led numerous initiatives such as College 101, Learning Communities, Freshman Orientation, Strategic Planning, and Outcomes Assessment. Dr. Lutz has also published numerous scholarly articles on both philosophy and literature, including a recent publication entitled “ ‘Objects Insignificant to Sight’: Racial Violence and Empathy in Faulkner’s ‘Pantaloon in Black’,” The Faulkner Journal, 2023; he has consistently been honored and has won significant awards for outstanding teaching throughout his stellar career.