In the reading group session of February 2011 we will delve deeper into the topic with two texts that may further our discussion on the role of shame in the constitution of identity. We will continue with Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and read the chapter Shame, Theatricality and Queer Performativity: Henry James’ ‘The Art of the Novel’ from her book Touching Feeling: Affect, Pedagogy, Performativity from 2003. In addition, we will read the chapter Shame on You by Leo Bersani from his book Intimacies (2008, co-written with Adam Phillips). Leo Bersani is Professor Emeritus of French at the University of California, Berkeley.