This course will examine the Goodness, Truth, and Beauty of Sir Jack Falstaff, who among Shakespeare’s characters is perhaps the least likely vessel for transcendental intimations. A glutton, a liar, and a thief, he seems a perfect scoundrel. Nonetheless, in all four plays of his “Henriad,” Shakespeare sets his stage in orbit round this scoundrel’s globe-shaped figure. By doing so, Shakespeare reveals an essential quality of his particular tastes--namely, that the highest thoughts are ever housed beneath the lowest roof.
- Teacher: Kyle Janke