Stephanie Frampton, MIT Literature
The trope of “books as friends” has a long history. Pinpointing the earliest appearance of the metaphor in the letters of the Roman orator, politician, and philosopher Cicero, this paper asks what it means to read books as friends, how we make connections with others by sharing texts in common, and what we can learn about the past and the future from reading ancient literature today.
Axinn Center 229
Open to the Public
Our annual marathon readings take place outside the Davis Family Library each October during Fall Family Weekend. Baklava is provided for everyone, but you must register beforehand if you wish to wear the laurel wreath and read. (Togas absolutely not required.)
Please contact Trish Dougherty at pdougher@middlebury.edu if you would like to be on the mailing list for our annual marathon reading.
To celebrate the achievements of our students (both majors and nonmajors) and the vibrant classics community on campus, the Classics Department sponsors several gatherings each year. Each year includes a Saturnalia, an end-of-school-year BBQ on the lawn behind Twilight Hall, and a Commencement reception (together with the Philosophy Department) for our graduating majors and their families. Please contact Trish Dougherty at pdougher@middlebury.edu for more information.
Any excuse for a laurel wreath.
