Savannah Tour Overview
Our Savannah tour is a unique invitation to study two great American writers, Flannery O’Connor and Toni Morrison, against the backdrop of a city as beautiful, complicated and haunting as the works we will read.
In reading their works together, we can explore the ideas that occupied them both. ‘O my sweet Jesus, what kind of cross is that?’ Nel asks in Morrison’s novel Sula. Many of O’Connor’s characters might be understood as asking the same question. What do life—and faith—demand of us? Both writers were Catholics whose works address powerful theological and moral questions: What is grace? How can the divine penetrate the everyday world? What is the nature of freedom, and its relationship to religion?
They also shared a fascination with the idea of the stranger, the Other. How does each define the Other, and its role in society? Here we will study both the “intense, outsize” characters in O’Connor’s and Morrison’s fiction, and Morrison’s writings on racism and its effects on American history, literature and life.
Our exploration of Savannah will help shape our literary journey. From our base in the historic city centre, we will visit O’Connor’s childhood home, the striking antebellum architecture, and sites that shaped white and Black life in Savannah from the 1600s to today. We’ll also make an excursion to Andalusia, the O’Connor family farm, and meet with O’Connor scholars at nearby Georgia College & State University. The recently restored property offers a unique glimpse into O’Connor’s life, writing process, and influence. Throughout we’ll enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and friendly hospitality.
Join Classical Pursuits on a journey to Savannah, one of North America’s most beguiling cities, and into the minds and hearts of two writers of uncommon imagination.
All Travel Pursuits operate under the umbrella of our partner, Worldwide Quest (TICO Reg: #2667946). Worldwide Quest arranges the logistics for each trip to complement our literary theme. They handle all bookings/registration and are happy to book flights and help with pre- and post-trip arrangements.
Savannah Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Savannah / opening discussion
Day 2: City walking tour focusing on the life and works of Flannery O’Connor
Day 3: Savannah’s African-American history
Day 4: Excursion to O’Connor farm, Andalusia
Day 5: Free time, seminar discussion, and festive farewell dinner
Day 6: Depart
Accommodation
The Marshall House
Readings
Selected fiction and essays by Flannery O’Connor; The Bluest Eye and selected essays by Toni Morrison
Image credits: O’Connor childhood home, JRempel on Wikipedia
