Dante’s three-part epic poem the Divine Comedy, or Commedia, is one of the most influential and dense works of poetic literature in the Western tradition. Building off Homer and Virgil, and influencing the likes of Chaucer, Milton, Blake, and Tennyson, as well as bringing to popular consciousness and form the modern Italian language, Dante’s epic delves into … Continue reading Dante’s Inferno: Understanding Hell
Literature
Literary Tales Ep. 8: Shakespeare, Politics as Tragedy
In this lecture we examine Shakespeare's tragedies and note the importance that all of his tragedies are intensely political plays. In this lecture, exposing the tragic nature of politics, we discuss Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and Antony & Cleopatra. This lecture is based on my essay: "Shakespeare, A Political Theorist Too," (15 October 2019)
Literary Tales Ep. 7: Gulliver’s Travels and the Art of Philosophical Satire
In this episode of Literary Tales we examine Jonathan Swift's incredible mock and satirical travel work, Gulliver's Travels. In this lecture we explore the work as principally a philosophical satire through Gulliver's journeys leading to his insanity and dehumanization. Ruminations on philosophy, theology, and John Milton are included. This lecture is based off my essay, … Continue reading Literary Tales Ep. 7: Gulliver’s Travels and the Art of Philosophical Satire
Literary Tales Ep. 6: Virgil’s Aeneid
In our next episode of Literary Tales we focus on the grand Latin epic that T.S. Eliot called "our classic." Virgil's Aeneid is a grand construction of history and memory more-so than mythos and pathos. The imagery Virgil uses to drive the story forward is the principal focus in this lecture; we discuss how Virgil … Continue reading Literary Tales Ep. 6: Virgil’s Aeneid
Literary Tales Ep. 5: Homer’s Odyssey and the Triumph of Love
In this episode of Literary Tales we explore Homer's Odyssey and pick up where the Iliad left off -- love. As such, this lecture examines the Odyssey as the triumph of love in Odysseus' return to Penelope, Telemachus, and Ithaca. This lecture is based off my essay: "Homer's Epic of the Family" (October 17, 2018)
Literary Tales Ep. 3: Greek Theogony and Theodicy
In this episode of Literary Tales, we examine the dialectical development of Greek theogony and theodicy from Hesiod and Homer down through Pseudo-Apollodorus with concluding remarks on this tradition's supersession by Virgil. In starting from Hesiod's Theogony and exploring the role of the gods, their birth and divine decrees, through Homer and the Bibliotheca, I … Continue reading Literary Tales Ep. 3: Greek Theogony and Theodicy
Virgil’s Use of Consciousness, Memory, and History in “The Aeneid”
The grandest image of Virgil’s Aeneid is the shield forged by the god Vulcan in the eighth book of Aeneas’ adventure to “Lavinian shores and Italian soil.” Virgil pays homage to Homer, his master and mentor, who also describes a grand image on a shield forged by the gods for Achilles. But where Achilles’ shield … Continue reading Virgil’s Use of Consciousness, Memory, and History in “The Aeneid”
Shakespeare: Between Politics and Love
These are two recent essays of mine on the immortal bard from Stratford-upon-Avon. I examine the theme of politics and love in Antony and Cleopatra in the first essay, and I examine the theme of politics and love in the general scope of Shakespearean tragedy in the second. The first essay was published as part … Continue reading Shakespeare: Between Politics and Love
Reflections on the Greek Classics
For those who would like to become more familiar with the classics, or, perhaps, understand more deeply the richness of the classics, you’re in luck! As part of my regular columns at TIC, I’ve covered Hesiod and Homer, and Pseudo-Apollodorus (among others). For Merion West, where I frequently freelance, I provided a five-part exposition on … Continue reading Reflections on the Greek Classics
Homer’s “Iliad”: From Strife to Love
Homer’s Iliad is the defining epic of Western literature. Its heroes live on in lure and our collective and individual consciousness. Most of Greek—and Roman literature—is indebted to the epic and its characters. Even modern English literature owes much to Homer’s monumental and heroic poem. Indeed, all Western literature owes to the wellspring of Homer. Even literary … Continue reading Homer’s “Iliad”: From Strife to Love
