Marriage Stories
The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret, comic Henny Youngman once wisecracked. Marriage is an enduring social construct, a union sanctioned by law, in many cultures a seductive rite of passage. Whether we view marriage as satisfying or stressful, lifelong or episodic, fueled by love or by lust, entered for security or for opportunity, one truth we can agree on is that writers find in marriage fertile subject matter for storytelling.
Each week we’ll discuss marriage issues that esteemed authors’ stories breathe life into: fidelity, growth, aging, betrayal and more. We’ll examine relevant story elements — narrative voice, character, setting, cultural context, plot arc, themes, imagery. Each meeting’s readings will include one standard-length short story and one micro or flash fiction story. As always, we’ll look to literature to nourish our longing to understand what’s essential about life.
All stories will be available to download and read in advance in the Member Dashboard:
- Oct. 4: Viet Thanh Nguyen & Lydia Davis
- Oct. 11: Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche & Joanne Novak
- Oct. 18: Joan Wickersham & Ernest Hemingway
- Oct. 25: Ethan Canin & Ron Carlson
Faculty Bio
Hilary Roberts is an author, educator, and editor who has taught at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, OLLI, and Contra Costa College. Her interests include literature, creative writing across genres, and global human rights. She earned an M.A. from University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley.
This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course
- Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be video recorded
- Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 25
- Classes meet for four weeks, two hours per session (2–4 PM)
- Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
- All course materials, including videos, will be available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31
Member Praise for Hilary Roberts
Hilary was absolutely fantastic. Insights, pacing, knowledge of material, all wonderful!
Excellent discussion and selection of short stories.