Class Description
Carl Jung theorized that the archetypal Shadow is the reservoir for human darkness. It is also the seat of creativity. Fiction writers: are you paying attention? In this literature-based, craft-oriented workshop, we’ll examine the role of the Jungian Shadow in several well-known fantasy novels for young and older readers. In the process of dissecting passages from selected works, we’ll discover how the Shadow is not only a key concept for arriving at a more complete understanding of ourselves (and therefore of our characters), but also an important tool for creating deeply compelling, page-turning stories. Novels discussed may include The Lord of the Rings; The Golden Compass; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Dark is Rising; The Hunger Games; A Game of Thrones; and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. It will be helpful if participants have read at least a few of these books. Note that although the discussion will center on YA and fantasy novels, the craft-oriented lessons are applicable to fiction writers in any genre. We’ll conclude the discussion portion of the workshop with an exercise aimed at inviting the Shadow more fully into our own lives and creative work. Finally, participants will have a chance to incorporate what they’ve learned into a new piece of writing to share.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!