Coastal Senior College (CSC), serving Midcoast Maine from Wiscasset to Camden, is accepting registrations for its spring term courses. “Sinners and a Few Saints: the Women in The Canterbury Tales” will meet on Fridays, beginning on April 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bremen Library. 

Instructor Ann Nesslage says, “In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer, like many other medieval writers and thinkers, often portrays women as reflecting the nature of either Eve or Mary, although his characters and themes are more complex than those archetypes might imply. His sinners are more vivid and lively than his saints, allowing Chaucer’s wit and satire full rein, and they definitely seem to be having more fun, but even his saints reflect his themes. In this discussion class, we will look at the actions and adventures of the female characters in their tales and what they reveal about their world.” 

Ann Nesslage is a graduate of Vassar, with a M.A. in British literature from Bryn Mawr. Ann retired from Choate Rosemary Hall, where she taught different levels of literature including British Studies and world literature.  Ann lives in Bremen, where she enjoys reading and gardening and serves on the Bremen Conservation Commission and the library board. 

Lively discussions in CSC courses offer an opportunity to learn and connect with other students who are primarily 50 and older. 

Among the 13 spring term courses offered by CSC, six are offered on Zoom, five are offered in person, and two are offered in a hybrid in-person/zoom format. Information about Coastal Senior College and the spring term courses can be found at coastalseniorcollege.org