Sunday, September 26, 2010

Returning to Teaching

 

            Last Monday, Brooke taught the first class he has given in two years, since the week before his accident.   It’s on Thoreau’s Walden, a book he says that if read closely and attentively enough, can completely revise your ways of thinking, not just in the chapters “Economy,”  “Where I Lived and What I Lived For,” and “Reading” that he’s covering tomorrow, but throughout.  While his former English-Department colleagues might quibble, Brooke says it’s one of the best examples of the sublime in literature anywhere.

Teaching Walden  is a double milestone.  He’s teaching the class, and he’s coming home for the day (and the night) to do it.  He’ll do that every Monday for six weeks, or until he’s ready to come home for good.  We haven’t been ready to brag about how well the first class went, but perhaps after tomorrow’s session we’ll be able to tell you some of the details.  It is a milestone, a big one.

 

 

11 comments:

Tom Huckin said...

Kudos to you, Brooke! Back doing what you were born to do.

T.R. Hummer said...

This is not a surprise, of course, since absolutely nothing in the land of the living could keep Brooke from teaching. Nevertheless, it's (not surprising but) amazing. You have always been an example to us all, Brooke, and you still are, now more than ever. Thanks for everything you've done, and all you do, and will go on doing.

Elisabeth said...

Great news. A wonderful achievement, may there be many more. I'd love to be a student in that class.

Craig Helms said...

I'd love to be a student in that class! You are both such an inspiration to us all.

Marilyn McLaughlin said...

That is beyond wonderful. Those lucky students!!!!!!
xxxxoooooooooo
Marilyn

Stacey Katz Bourns said...

We swam at Walden Pond on Saturday, and I thought of you while I was there. It was one of those picture perfect indian summer Boston days. The water was cold -- very cold. But the sun was perfect, and the lake was so peaceful once we swam away from the shore. I would love to listen to your class! Any chance you can post the video on the blog?
Sending you lots of love from your alma mater.
xo, Stacey

rebecca owen said...

As one fortunate to be a part of Brooke's first class in almost two years, I'll happily "brag" about how magnificently things have gone thus far. Simply put, we as students are again able to revel in the quintessential Brooke Hopkins experience--to be recipients of his energy and erudition, his generosity of heart, mind and spirit. A small piece of the order of the universe has been restored.

rebecca owen said...

And I must add--huge thanks to Peggy for the incomprehensible amount of physical, emotional and spiritual support she offers Brooke, without which his return as esteemed teacher would not be possible.

Anonymous said...

now this makes me so happy :)

ed ranney said...

Hey Brooke,

This is such great news - I'm so pleased, congratulations to you both. Also so wonderful that you are adjusting to being at home on a weekly basis, doing it bit by bit, very wise, and emotionally productive, I'll bet. Thoreau is, of course, the perfect choice, ruminations on the essentials of life, living for the basics. I can't wait to hear some feedback when I next visit, hopefully in November!

Much love to you both, Ed

Norm said...

What a great achievement - We are all
extremely proud of you, and to count ourselves as your fortunate friends.

See you in 3 weeks

Norm and Nan