August 29, 2025—World of Wonders, by R. Davies

The next meeting of Great Books KC will be August 29, 2025.   

We will discuss World of Wonders (The Deptford Trilogy #3), by R. Davies.
   
Meeting Date & Time:

• Date: August 29, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 pm

Hybrid Zoom & In-Person Meeting:

• In-person meeting, Little Conference Room, Plaza Branch Library
• Zoom link sent to mailing list on day of meeting

• Request mailing list addition, send to GreatBooksKC@gmail.com

About the Book: 

Magnus Eisengrim (also known by at least four other names throughout the trilogy) tells the story of his life to a group of filmmakers who are producing a biographical film about the great magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin for the BBC.

July 25, 2025 Meeting Summary of Great Books KC—The Manticore (Deptford Trilogy #2), by R. Davies

 Meeting Summary 

(July 25, 2025) discussion of The Manticore by R. Davies

Quick recap

The group explored themes of identity, family dynamics, and psychological development across multiple books, focusing on characters' motivations, relationships, and personal growth. The discussion concluded with an examination of Jungian psychology concepts and therapeutic approaches, including insights from Canadian authors like Robertson Davies and Margaret Atwood.

Summary

Analyzing the Second Trilogy Book

The group discussed the second book in a trilogy, focusing on its literary devices, character development, and thematic elements. They noted the use of Jungian psychology as a narrative tool and compared the two books, with some finding the first book more engaging due to its action-packed nature. The group also analyzed character motivations and the symbolism in the story, particularly regarding history, memory, and personal growth.

David's Journey of Self-Discovery

The group discussed the character David in a book, focusing on his relationship with his father and his journey of self-discovery. They explored themes of agency, alcoholism as a coping mechanism, and the influence of mentors like Dr. Wolf. The conversation highlighted David's struggle to define his own path separate from his father's legacy, his alcoholism, and his quest for understanding his own identity and role in life.

Analyzing Boy Stan's Character Dynamics

The group discussed the character Boy Stan, focusing on his alcohol use disorder, idealized views of relationships, and family dynamics. They analyzed his therapy sessions and the impact of his upbringing on his behavior. The conversation touched on his sister's more grounded personality and the family's social standing. They also debated the plausibility of Boy Stan being hypnotized into committing suicide, concluding that it was unlikely and potentially unethical.

David's Therapeutic Journey and Legacy

The group discussed the character David from a trilogy, focusing on his transformation and the reasons behind his decision to undergo therapy in Switzerland. They debated whether his successful career as a lawyer masked personal emptiness and whether his father's death and the inheritance issues prompted his therapeutic journey. The conversation also touched on the impact of his father's death, his professional life as a lawyer, and the potential effects of his father's legacy on his own life choices.

Exploring Themes in 'The Cunning Man

The group discussed characters and themes in Robertson Davies' "The Cunning Man" trilogy, focusing on Danny's struggle with identity and values, and the complex relationships between various characters. They analyzed the symbolism in Lyle's bone deformity and Lisa's physical appearance, as well as the societal expectations and personal flaws of the characters. The group also touched on Nettie's mysterious background and potential involvement in the death of the first wife, leaving some questions unanswered for the third book in the series.

Interpreting Boy Staunton's Complex Character

The group discussed the character Boy Staunton from a trilogy, focusing on his relationship with Ramsey and his first wife. Mallory suggested that Boy's actions were understandable given his background and personality, while Tom and Rex highlighted the negative perspectives on Boy from Ramsey's point of view. Don explained the concept of the anima and animus, suggesting that Boy projected his feelings onto others and struggled with unrealistic expectations. The discussion touched on the complexity of the characters and the different interpretations possible depending on the reader's perspective.

Jungian Therapy and Literary Insights

The group discussed psychological concepts, particularly Jungian ideas about the shadow self and therapy, with Don sharing insights from his reading about projection and anger. They explored the work of Canadian authors Margaret Atwood and Robertson Davies, including his trilogy concept of writing books sequentially rather than all at once. The discussion concluded with group members sharing his experience with Freudian analysis and the importance of long-term therapy sessions, noting that Jungian analysis typically requires multiple years of commitment.

Meeting summary for Great Books KC—Fifth Business, by R. Davies (06/27/2025

Quick recap The group analyzed various characters and themes from multiple novels, focusing on relationships, motivations, and religious elements throughout the trilogy. The discussion concluded with conversations about historical perspectives on women's education and intelligence, as well as reactions to the books' humor and spiritual themes. Next steps All members: Read the next book in Davies' trilogy for the next meeting in a month. Bring prepared question for discussion at the next book club meeting, Summary Book Plot  Before meeting started some of the group discussed the plot of a series of books, focusing on characters and narrative structure across the three volumes.  Robertson Davies Reading Discussion The group discussed reading progress, including the completion of "5th Business" and the current reading of "Manticore" by Robertson Davies. It was noted the differences in covers between editions and shared thoughts on Davies' writing style and the inclusion of an introduction and biography in the newer editions. The group also touched on the use of the term "5th Business" in drama and literature, with Judith confirming its existence in British and Canadian contexts. One person expressed enjoyment of Davies' work and contrasted it with a recent book they found disappointing. Boy Staunton's Tragic Hypnosis The group discussed the ending of the novel involving Boy Staunton's death by driving his car into water, with some proposing that a magician hypnotized him to do so. They analyzed the character's motivations, including his mean behavior towards Ramsey and Mrs. Dempster, and discussed the novel's themes of self-discovery and human nature. The conversation also touched on the author's portrayal of characters and the book's exploration of faith, with one person noting his personal connection to the Catholic themes. Exploring Spiritual Themes in Fiction The group discussed a book about a character named Dunstan who had an intense relationship with a woman who encouraged him to open up and live more fully. They explored themes of spirituality, religion, and magic in the book, noting the author's interest in mysterious and spiritual questions. The discussion touched on the concept of miracles in the story and the author's use of religious and spiritual elements, though not in a traditional sense. Exploring 'The Manticore's' Themes The group discussed Robertson Davies' novel "The Manticore," focusing on its historical and religious themes, particularly the Calvinist influence on Presbyterian traditions. They explored the character development and name changes throughout the trilogy, with one person noting that Dunstan's transformation was symbolic of a second birth rather than rebirth. The participants also praised the author's depiction of World War I trench warfare and discussed the character of Leola Cruikshank's transformation, which some humorously connected to a previous summer reading group. Analyzing Boy Staunton's Complex Nature The group discussed the character Boy Staunton from a book, analyzing his complex personality and actions. They debated whether Boy was genuinely philanthropic or simply manipulative, noting his ability to help others while maintaining his own self-interest. The conversation touched on themes of class, religion, and the book's humor, with particular attention to Boy's interactions with characters like Dunstan and the Anglican Bishop. The discussion concluded with reflections on the character's redemption and the impact of his actions on others. Dunstan's Complex Motherly Relationships The group discussed characters and themes in a book, focusing on Dunstan's relationships with women, particularly his mother and a nurse who cared for him. They explored how Dunstan's perceptions of these relationships influenced his decisions, including his reluctance to marry a woman who had been like a mother figure to him. The conversation also touched on the character of a woman who was initially perceived as unattractive but later revealed more complexity, and the group compared her to characters in other literature. Evolution of Women's Educational Roles The group discussed historical perspectives on women's education and intelligence, with Judith sharing her experiences from Peru where women were traditionally raised to be childlike and uneducated. They examined how women's roles and opportunities have changed over time, particularly through examples like Jane Austen who was educated by her father despite the limited educational options available to women in the 18th century. The discussion concluded with an evaluation of female characters in their novel, with some noting that while some characters like Leola were understandable, they lacked depth in their internal lives. Book Discussion: Humor and Evolution The group discussed their reactions to a book, focusing on its humorous elements and the distinction between religion and spirituality. They debated whether the author, William Davies, had planned the entire trilogy from the start or if it evolved after the success of the first book. The discussion concluded with some uncertainty about the publication dates of the books and a brief mention of Davies' appearance and lack of major literary awards.

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Meeting summary for Great Books KC—Love's Labour's Lost, by William Shakespeare (05/30/2025)

 

Meeting summary for Great Books KC—Love's Labour's Lost, by William Shakespeare (05/30/2025)

(Some human editing was done to change "Clif" to "Person in library group" and change "iPhone" to "Bill")

Quick recap The group discussed various adaptations and performances of Shakespeare's plays, including "Hamlet," "Love's Labour's Lost," and "The Winter's Tale," examining different staging approaches, performances, and interpretations. They explored the themes, character dynamics, and historical contexts of these plays, particularly focusing on Shakespeare's portrayal of women and the influence of Welsh culture on his works. The conversation ended with discussions about collaboration theories surrounding Shakespeare's plays and the group's next meeting plans. Next steps All attendees: Read and prepare for discussion of "The Deptford Trilogy" for the next meeting on the last Friday of the month Summary Adapting Shakespeare's Hamlet Person in library group discussed various adaptations of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," including a BBC production that uses Cole Porter songs and a 1965 version with a live audience. He/she praised David Tennant's performance in a modern adaptation and highlighted the staging and set design of different productions. Person in library group also recommended Shakespeare text editions, such as the Pelican series, and expressed his enthusiasm for attending a park performance of "Hamlet," where he/she plans to quote along with the audience. Love's Labour's Lost: Comedy and Subversion The group discussed Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," focusing on its comedic elements and unexpected ending. Person in library group highlighted the play's themes of affectation and appearance versus reality, noting the frequent use of the word "appears." Val emphasized that the ending would have been a surprise to theatre goers at the time, as it subverted expectations of a traditional comedic resolution. Rex questioned the men's assumption that their flattery would lead to immediate marriage proposals from the women. The discussion also touched on the play's songs and their potential double meanings. Exploring Shakespeare's Complex Themes Val and person in library group discussed the complexities and themes of a play, focusing on the relationships between characters, particularly the women's demands and the men's struggles. They explored the play's comedic elements and its underlying serious themes, including death and the futility of attempting to cheat it. Person in library group suggested that the play may have been written for a courtly audience rather than performed at the Globe Theater, and they touched on the Oxfordian theory regarding the French influences in the play. The conversation also delved into the character of Rosalind and her connection to other Shakespearean works, as well as the play's portrayal of gender dynamics and the absurdity of love. Gender Roles in Shakespeare's Winter's Tale The group discussed Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale" and its portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics. They analyzed the character of the Princess and her successful deer hunting, suggesting it may have been a message to the Queen. The conversation also touched on the play's timeline and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jack and Etta's relationship and pregnancy. Comedy and Language in 'Love's Labour's Lost The group discussed the play "Love's Labour's Lost," focusing on its use of comedy and language. Person in library group noted the play's defense of comedy, particularly in its portrayal of humor in serious situations, and highlighted the use of language games and Latin throughout. Val shared insights about historical forms of poetic dueling in Scandinavian and Welsh cultures, though iPhone clarified that such practices were not relevant to the play. The discussion concluded with person in library group exploring the play's themes of verbal combat and the transformation of its characters into brave conquerors, despite their initial plans to live as hermits. Shakespeare's Welsh Cultural Influences The group discussed the influence of Welsh culture on Shakespeare, noting that Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare grew up, is close to Wales. They examined the representation of Welsh characters in Shakespeare's history plays and the class dynamics in "The Nine Worthies," where the audience's treatment of the players revealed social hierarchies. The participants also shared their experiences reading the play, noting its challenging language, lack of plot compared to other Shakespearean works, and the need for modern editions with glossaries and notes to aid comprehension. Plantain and Shakespeare Theories The group discussed the meaning of "plantain" in the context of a play, with Judy clarifying it as a banana-like fruit that becomes tastier when fried. Person in library group raised questions about the collaboration theories surrounding William Shakespeare's works, including potential collaborations with Christopher Marlowe and other playwrights, though Judy and others expressed skepticism about these theories. Person in library group also mentioned the existence of "Love's Labour's Lost" and "Love's Labour's Won," speculating on the nature of these plays and Shakespeare's portrayal of women in his works. Shakespeare's Female Characters in Context The group discussed Shakespeare's portrayal of women in his plays, particularly focusing on "All's Well That Ends Well." Person in library group noted that Shakespeare's female characters were surprisingly strong for their time, especially considering they were played by men. Judy and Val explored the historical context of women's roles in Elizabethan England, while Bill argued that the play was fantasy and not meant to be taken as historical truth. The discussion touched on how Shakespeare's choices in character development and plot reflect the power dynamics between men and women in the play. Shakespeare's Women in Elizabethan Context The group discussed Shakespeare's portrayal of women in "Love's Labour's Lost," particularly focusing on the historical context of Elizabethan England where Queen Elizabeth was on the throne and women played significant roles at court. They explored how the play's depiction of men giving up women, food, and sleep for three years might be a commentary on academic life and religious figures of the time, rather than a genuine disdain for women. The group also noted that while the men initially try to put women in a secondary class, they were actually attracted to them beforehand and changed their views once they ended their vow of chastity. Val announced she would miss the next meeting due to travel to North Wales, and the group confirmed the next meeting would be the last Friday of the month to discuss the Deptford Tragedy.

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Meeting summary for Great Books KC—Spoon River Anthology, by Edgar Lee Masters (04/25/2025)

 

Summary

Concrete Poetry in Epitaphs

The team discussed the concept of "concrete poetry" and its application in epitaphs. They analyzed various poems, focusing on their themes, language, and metaphysical aspects. The discussion also touched upon the idea of a virtual person walking through a cemetery, triggering different moments from the lives of the deceased. The team debated whether the poems represent a single moment in the person's life or if they evolve over time, becoming more metaphysical. They also considered the possibility of the poems being written as jokes or ironic statements.

Village Life and Epitaphs Discussion

The team discussed the lives of people in a village, focusing on how they sum up their lives and the importance of their epitaphs. They analyzed the characters' perspectives, with some being bitter and others more introspective. The team also discussed the idea of reevaluating one's life after death, with some characters not having the chance to do so. They also touched on the concept of judging others based on their lives and the importance of understanding the depth of these characters. The team concluded by discussing the idea of people changing their minds after death, with some characters not having the opportunity to do so.

Themes and Characters in a Book

The team discussed the themes and characters in a book, focusing on the author's views on power, hypocrisy, and redemption. They analyzed specific stories, such as the wife who had an affair with a younger man and the town marshal who was hired despite his past as a drunk. The discussion also touched on the author's apparent dislike for bankers, lawyers, and the clergy. The team debated the author's perspective on the reality beneath the surface of small-town life, with some members questioning whether the author's views were based on his own fears or a grim idea of reality. The conversation ended with a discussion on the author's apparent preference for stories of redemption.

Analyzing Poems and Historical Figures

In the meeting, the participants discussed the reception of poems in their town and the historical figures they were based on. They also analyzed the style and themes of the poems, with some comparing them to Shakespearean and epic styles. The discussion also touched on the idea of life being an ogre and the portrayal of various characters in the poems, including those who were happy with their lives despite the mocking of others.

Analyzing the Relevance of a Poem

In the meeting, the team discussed the relevance of a particular poem from an anthology. They analyzed the poem's themes of darkness, truth, and the importance of seeing multiple perspectives. The team also discussed the contemporary resonance of the poem, particularly in relation to the sanitization of history. One team member expressed her appreciation for the anthology, noting its profound and relatable content, despite it being written early in history. The team also discussed the potential for other works, such as Winesburg, Ohio, to be explored in future meetings.

Poetry Analysis and Modernist Influence

In the meeting, the group discussed various poems and their influences. They analyzed the themes and stylistic elements of different works, including those by Whitman, Masters, and others. The discussion also touched upon the influence of modernist art on the group's understanding of poetry. The group debated the inclusion of certain elements in a particular poem, questioning the author's intentions and the role of the publisher. They also discussed the potential reasons for the inclusion of a second epilogue in a book, which they found to be a strange choice.

Edgar Lee Masters' Life and Work

In the meeting, the group discussed the life and work of poet Edgar Lee Masters, particularly his book "Spoon River Anthology". They noted that Masters' later work was considered mediocre compared to his earlier work. The group also discussed the burial site of Masters and the inscription on his tombstone. They ended the conversation by discussing the upcoming meeting on Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost" and the date for the next meeting.

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