The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library continues its Table Talk series on Wednesday, Feb. 18 with a panel discussion on Thornton Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey.” Mississippi University for Women faculty members Dr. Kim Whitehead and Lynn Healy join Friends member Jo Shumake for an in-depth look at the characters in this American classic novel at the center of Columbus’ first community-wide Big Read.
“We are delighted to be able to participate in the extensive programming during the two-month-long Big Read celebration,” said Shumake.
The Big Read, funded mainly through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and supported by a number of state and local organizations, is designed to bring together different groups to discuss classic and contemporary works of literature in a relaxed, non-academic setting.
Its goal is to strengthen a culture of reading and encourage participants to think about common threads that all members of our society share. Wilder’s classic tackles the “big questions”: love, faith, fate and the ability (or inability) of one person to ever fully understand another person.
“I read Wilder’s ‘Bridge’ in high school, and its impact was minimal,” continued Shumake. “A good story and not much more. Decades later, I find it brilliant. Time and experience alter your perception of things.”
Written in 1927, the work still resonates today.
“Think about the plot,” said Shumake. “Five people cross a bridge; it collapses; they die. Simple idea. But why those five people? You could ask the same question about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, or numerous tragedies closer to home.”
“We invite everyone to join us to explore these questions,” concluded Shumake.
Copies of “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” are available at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and the Columbus Arts Council.
Table Talks are presented on Wednesdays in February at the library at 314 Seventh St. N. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for those wishing to bring their lunch and socialize before the program begins at noon. The Friends will serve iced tea.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.