Demons, Fools & Madmen

Catalog description

This course investigates demons, fools and madmen throughout Russian culture, from folklore to film, including such particularly Russian manifestations as the “holy fool” and “petty demon,” against a background of folkloric, theological, existential and political considerations. We will probe questions including the boundary between insanity and imagination, the evolving criteria for madness and insanity as a reflection of the passions, ambitions and malaise of “normal” society. Offered every other year.