Socratic Paths: King Lear

Sundays, 9:30 am to 10:45 am Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27.

Click HERE for Zoom Registration. No tuition.

King Lear is treasure-rich tragedy about political decay originating in personal offense or resentment. That aspect of the play is noticeable, at least, to anxious observers of American politics. "'Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind." (IV,1) But rather than superimposing contemporary problems onto the play, we'll mine the play for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the personal and the political. Its language alone transports us out of this inarticulate world to a place of poetic insight; its cosmic narrative puts all false narratives zu Asche, zu Staub.

New and returning readers are invited to participate in this year’s "slow read." With an experienced facilitator, we look carefully at the text and discuss the issues that interest us, especially from a Jewish perspective. As is our custom, we read aloud for 10-15 minutes, which provides a focus for conversation and a chance to revisit details. Participants are encouraged to read one act per week, and to enjoy any of the audio or video productions available.

Download a copy HERE.