History of Ideas: Simone Weil
Past Present Future
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Introduction
This week David Runtzmann looks at a contemporary of George Orwell. Simone Vile was born into relative prosperity but in her 20s she decided that she had to experience poverty and deprivation for herself. Like Orwell she tried to live as a tramp, as a down and out in Paris and London then did write about it. She also volunteered for the Spanish Civil War and like Orwell she wasn't really cut out to be a soldier either. Find close readings wherever you get your podcasts. The Odyssey has an extraordinarily sophisticated take on what a Nostos narrative is. Leading critics explore some of the great works of literature.
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