Lincoln College, Oxford University

September 16-17, 2011



This conference gathers international scholars from the fields of ancient and modern literature, film studies, music theory, and philosophy – under the sign of betrayal; a sign, which each speaker at this symposium shall question. One might sum up: betrayal presupposes a triadic structure, in which the traitor is caught in a double bind. X gives Y over to some opposition, betraying his political, religious or private affiliations; or, perhaps, X gives himself away. If this structure has gained broad consensus, however, it also immediately opens an equally broad range of questions: Where does X come from; what is it that leads X to betray – and what exactly does he betray? The most basic structure of betrayal, giving over, in fact, involves everyone: for to speak, to give words over, gives oneself away. In light of this, the urgency to rethink betrayal(s) is equal to its ubiquity. In this conference, speakers will engage with the dynamics of betrayal, attending to its many dimensions, crossing politics, ethics, emotions and aesthetics. Not a definition, but representations of betrayal thus form the focus for approaching what it means to play false.



Convened by: Dr Betiel Wasihun and Kristina Mendicino.

For further details please click HERE