The Lysis assignment was the most challenging reading of the year for me. Participating in the discussion was like entering a marathon and failing to complete the race. But I still felt miles from the starting line. By the end of our discussion I grasped a good deal of the dialogue’s meaning, putting me miles ahead of the confusion I felt at the start of the meeting. That’s the beauty of a Great Books conversation. Our leader did a brilliant job, and those who contributed added so much to our understanding of Lysis.
Next we turn to A Modest Proposal by the satirical writer, Jonathan Swift. To quote Wikipedia, “Swift’s essay [A Modest Proposal] is widely held to be one of the greatest examples of sustained irony in the history of the English language.” I can’t wait for this discussion!
This assignment is quite short, so please make the time to read it. You’re welcome to join the discussion on Zoom. In fact, the last several meetings had more virtual participants than the number showing up in person.
We will meet to discuss Swift’s masterpiece on Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 p.m., either at South Euclid Library, 1876 South Green Road or via Zoom. Sign up to on this website get the zoom info.