For our next literature salon we will read Alexandre Dumas’s The Lady of the Camellias or “La Dame Aux Camelias” a tragic story which will be the literary complement to our philosophy salon on pain.We will discuss and read excerpts from the book and listen to arias from Verdi’s La Traviata which was inspired by the story.

Please note, that there will be a philosophy salon on the same topic just after the literature salon from 4-7 pm.

RSVP to this event is required. Please indicate in your RSVP if you would like to attend one or both of the salons. jk554@cam.ac.uk

Synopsis:

“” I find the subject of my books in my dreams,” said Dumas pere, “and my son finds his in reality.” In 1844 Dumas fils began an affair with Marie Duplessis, one of the most desirable courtesans in Paris. After Marie died of consumption in 1847 at the age of twenty-three, Dumas turned their liason into one of the greatest love stories of all time. Armand casts caution to the winds as he pursues his passion for Marguerite, for whome love has become her only hope, her redemption even. But there is a price to pay. If all the world loves a lover, society calls passion to order.” – Oxford, The Worl’ds Classics

Image Credits: