How does the fear of mortality influence our pursuit of a meaningful life?
In this sixth installment of our seven-part series, Does Thinking About Death Lead to a Good Life?, we invite you to delve into the exploration of life, death, and the human experience through Aldous Huxley's novel After Many a Summer Dies the Swan.
Regardless of whether you've attended the previous sessions or this is your first, we warmly welcome you to join us in this rich discussion.
Reading for this Class:
Aldous Huxley's novel After Many a Summer Dies the Swan
About the book:
"Aldous Huxley's After Many a Summer Dies the Swan is a thought-provoking novel that dives deep into humanity's existential struggle with mortality and the quest for a meaningful life. The story revolves around Jo Stoyte, a wealthy American obsessed with conquering death. His quest for immortality leads him down a path of moral ambiguity and raises fundamental questions about the quality versus quantity of life. Through the contrasting perspective of Stoyte's assistant, Peter Boone, Huxley probes the tension between the natural human instinct to prolong life and the moral and philosophical considerations that should shape a well-lived life. The narrative grapples with profound themes of mortality, ethical living, and the inherent value of accepting death as a natural part of life. Huxley's exploration suggests that the relentless pursuit of immortality may ironically strip life of its richness, highlighting the importance of living a morally good and fulfilled life over an artificially extended one."
In our facilitated discussion, we will grapple with the following questions:
How does the character of Jo Stoyte embody the human fear of mortality, and how does this fear influence his approach to life in After Many a Summer Dies the Swan?
In what ways does After Many a Summer Dies the Swan indicate that an intense pursuit of immortality might detract from the essence and meaningfulness of life?
How does Peter Boone's character provide a counterpoint to Jo Stoyte's views on mortality and life, and how does this dichotomy enhance the overall theme of the novel?
How do the philosophical and ethical dilemmas in the novel mirror our real-world attitudes toward death and the quest for an extended life?
Considering Huxley's portrayal of death and mortality in 'After Many a Summer Dies the Swan', how can our acceptance of death help us reevaluate our understanding of what a meaningful life entails?
How does Huxley's exploration of mortality in After Many a Summer Dies the Swan influence or challenge your personal perspective on death and the significance it holds in shaping your understanding of life?
Date and Time:
Sunday, September 24, 2023
10:00 AM-12:00 PM PST