Hamlet & Aesthetic Conflict

with Seth Aichele

To be (born), or not to be? To feel, or not to feel? To think, or not to think? To create, or not to create? These questions take on a special meaning in the context of the British Object Relations tradition, and together constitute a basic problem of personality development across its many thresholds.

In this class we will engage directly with Shakespeare's classic play Hamlet in connection with Donald Meltzer's idea of Aesthetic Conflict. We will struggle together with several chapters of The Apprehension of Beauty (1988), including Meg Harris Williams' essay on Hamlet and aesthetic conflict.

4 Sessions In-Person on Wednesdays

4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6