“Writing letters is actually an intercourse with ghosts, and by no means just the ghost of the addressee but also with one’s own ghost, which secretly evolves inside the letter one is writing.” —Franz Kafka, Letters to Milena.
Among Franz Kafka’s literary works are Letters to Felice, Letter to his Father, and Letters to Milena. In this discussion-based literature course, we will attempt to explore the origin of Kafka’s fiction by reading his letters. How do these give us additional insights into Kafka as a writer?
A recent historical novel, Letters to Kafka by Christine Estima, imagines what Milena Jenenska’s lost letters to Kafka might have said in response to his Letters to Milena, which are considered his most profound, expressing his deepest struggles. How does Kafka’s quote “writing letters is actually an intercourse with ghosts” help us understand the self-portrait that these letters express? Can films of Kafka’s works, as well as the new biopic film Franz K by Agnieszka Holland, further help us delve into his life and develop a better understanding of his writings?
Required texts (any edition): TBA
Participants must obtain a copy of the required texts at the bookstore or library of their choice.
Standard Tuition: $210.00
New Participant Tuition: $150.00
Day: Thursdays
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: 3405 Atwater Ave
Course leaders: Imogen Brian, Irene Menear and another
Please note that in the case of extenuating circumstances (e.g. a snowstorm) an in-person course may be temporarily held on Zoom.
First session: January 14 2027
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
All course participants registering should read and abide by the Thomas More Institute Code of Conduct.
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