Hardcore Literature Ep 83 - Reflecting on Reading the Great Books in 2024
11 snips
Dec 29, 2024 The speaker reflects on their reading journey, sharing insights gained from engaging with Shakespeare chronologically. They explore Mikhail Bulgakov's resilience in The Master and Margarita amidst censorship, and discuss the transformative impact of classics like Whitman and Austen. The connection between Toni Morrison's epic narratives and identity is examined, alongside the interplay of Freud's theories with literature. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their favorite books and join community discussions, making for an enriching literary experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
East of Eden's Core Idea
- Steinbeck's East of Eden reinterprets the Cain and Abel story, focusing on the word "timshel".
- This word suggests free will, meaning we can choose between good and evil.
Scriptural Reading
- Read great literature like scripture: with care, attention, and alertness for wisdom within and between the lines.
- Engage all your senses, visualize the scenes, and reread passages.
Bulgakov and Stalin
- Bulgakov burned The Master and Margarita fearing persecution, then Stalin called and gave him a job.
- He rewrote it, portraying Stalin as the devil, highlighting that art endures.