Event—Adult Education

Mourning in the Middle Ages

Images of death dominate the Middle Ages, and it can be tempting to assume that medieval people were inured to loss, given its ubiquity. However, we can find moving accounts of how people dealt with grief across medieval art, literature, theology, and philosophy.

Newberry Adult Education Seminars will meet virtually via Zoom. For more information about the Newberry’s virtual seminars, including a Zoom tutorial, please see our Virtual Seminars FAQ page. If you have questions about online learning, please reach out to seminars@newberry.org.

Seminar Description

Images of death dominate the Middle Ages, and it can be tempting to assume that medieval people were inured to loss, given its ubiquity. However, we can find moving accounts of how people dealt with grief across medieval art, literature, theology, and philosophy. This seminar will explore the concept and expression of loss in medieval literature, funerary art and rituals, and other cultural artifacts that explore the problem of grief in the Middle Ages.

Three sessions. Registration – $170

Sarah Wilson holds a PhD in English from Northwestern University. Her research focuses on the literature and culture of late-medieval England, with a particular emphasis on mourning and the philosophy of consolation. Sarah is also the Seminars Manager in the Department of Public Engagement at the Newberry.

Materials List

Required:

  • A selection of shorter materials distributed by the instructor before the seminar begins.

First Reading:

  • There is no required reading for this seminar.

Registration Information

Registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Wednesday, May 19th. Newberry Associates members at the Literati level and above will have access to early registration beginning May 12th at 10am. Learn more about membership benefits and becoming a Newberry Associate.

Please note: For more information about registration, including a guide to online registration, see our Registration Information page. Questions? Please contact seminars program staff via email at seminars@newberry.org.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies, or teaching a seminar.