Join B.J. Dobski, professor of political science, as the guest on the podcast. They discuss the surprising connections between Shakespeare's Coriolanus and the film Stripes. Delve into themes of revolution, class divisions, and quest for honor. Explore the influence of writers on movies, improvisation, and the depth of popular culture. Touch on nudity in movies and Bill Murray's influence.
The blending and cohesion of social classes is crucial for the success of a new republic, as depicted in both Shakespeare's Coriolanus and the movie Stripes.
Unrestrained spiritedness in a democratic society can lead to an imbalance and potential destruction, as shown by the consequences of Coriolanus' actions in the play and Sergeant Holka's behavior in the military in Stripes.
The characters of John Winger and Coriolanus lack reflection on the ends of politics and the dependencies they have on others, highlighting the necessity for serious and reflective individuals in political life to maintain a stable and functioning republic.
Deep dives
The Birth of Republicanism: Class Divisions and Balancing
The movie "Stripes" and Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus" both explore the birth and development of republican societies. In the play, the separation and blending of classes, particularly the spirited and competitive elements, are crucial for the success of the new republic. This is paralleled in "Stripes," where the mixing and cohesion of social classes is depicted as a decline of the republic. The movie highlights the need for both competitive and spirited individuals within a community and the balance required to maintain a stable and functioning republic.
The Dangers of Unchecked Spiritedness: Coriolanus and Holka
In both "Coriolanus" and "Stripes," there are characters who possess strong spiritedness, but their roles and consequences differ due to the presence or absence of republican guardrails. In "Coriolanus," the titular character's uncontrollable spiritedness poses a threat to the political community, leading to destructive consequences. In "Stripes," the character Sergeant Holka represents a similar type of spiritedness, but within the confines of the military, making him less of a threat. The film suggests that an unrestrained spiritedness in a democratic society can lead to an imbalance and potential destruction.
Winger and Coriolanus: Unseriousness in Political Life
The characters of John Winger in "Stripes" and Coriolanus in Shakespeare's play share a significant trait: a fundamental unseriousness about political life. While Coriolanus embodies aristocratic principles, both characters lack reflection on the ends of politics and the dependencies they have on others. Their incapacity to understand the importance of blending classes and reflecting on their own role in the political community marks their unsuitability for true leadership in a democratic society. These characters highlight the necessity for individuals who are serious and reflective in political life to maintain a stable and functioning republic.
Winger's transformation and growth through military training
The main character of the movie, Winger, starts off as a self-centered and lazy individual. However, as he goes through military training, he begins to develop discipline, physical fitness, and a sense of responsibility. This transformation is evident in his increasing ability to do push-ups and his recognition of the importance of duty and courage. While he still maintains some of his old characteristics, the film portrays his growth and education towards civic responsibility.
The political context and implications of the film
Stripes was released during a time when America was facing various challenges, including economic problems, foreign policy issues, and a loss of national confidence. The movie, with its comedic tone, provided a shot of optimism and a different perspective on war. It presented a revisionist view of the military by highlighting the incompetence and vanity of certain characters, while also featuring a bumbling poverty in the Soviet block. The film's portrayal of the American military and its ironic conclusion implied that the country's slacker culture might hinder its ability to compete with the disciplined and valorized portrayals of the Soviets.
Join us for an engaging episode with the guys and returning special guest, B.J. Dobski, professor of political science at Assumption University. They explore the surprising influence of Shakespeare's Coriolanus on the 1981 film Stripes. Discover the hidden connections between these two classics, from character dynamics to narrative themes. This thought-provoking discussion connects film and literature, offering new insights into both. Tune in now!
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