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The Common Reader
Zena Hitz: reading the Great Books
Dec 1, 2024
Zena Hitz, a philosopher and tutor at St. John’s College, passionately discusses her love for the Great Books and their impact on personal growth. She shares insights on Shakespeare’s complex relationships, emphasizing how age alters our understanding of his themes. Zena advocates for the value of direct engagement with literature over secondary sources. The conversation also touches on the nostalgic magic of children’s literature, her reflections on immersive education, and the hidden virtues of nuns in society.
01:01:12
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Quick takeaways
- The speaker's initial engagement with Shakespeare through 'Macbeth' illustrates a profound journey from youthful admiration to a mature understanding of literary complexities.
- The dynamic relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth reveals the complex interplay of vulnerability and ambition, challenging traditional notions of dominance within their partnership.
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Early Encounters with Shakespeare
The discussion highlights the speaker's first engagement with Shakespeare through reading 'Macbeth' in high school. At the age of 14, the speaker memorized a particularly intense Lady Macbeth speech, illustrating a deep connection to the character despite disliking the course at the time. This early experience with Shakespeare led to a lifelong appreciation for the drama's darker themes, which now evoke a sense of terror and introspection. This evolution reflects a broader journey from youthful admiration to a mature understanding of the complexities within Shakespeare's works.
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