Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and public intellectual, dives into the extraordinary life of Jane Ellen Harrison, Britain’s first female career academic. They discuss Harrison's legacy, her cunning ability to shape her own narrative, and the hurdles women face in academia. Beard also reflects on the complexities of writing Harrison's biography and how these challenges highlight the broader fight for women's rights in education. Expect a lively examination of history, gender dynamics, and the importance of self-perception in empowering future generations.
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Quick takeaways
Jane Ellen Harrison's journey represents the struggle and triumph of women seeking recognition in male-dominated academia.
The complexities of writing biographies highlight the challenges in reconstructing the lives of historically marginalized figures like Harrison.
Deep dives
Natasha Rothwell's New Show
The podcast introduces a new Hulu series titled 'How to Die Alone,' featuring Natasha Rothwell playing the character Melissa. The narrative focuses on Melissa's transformation following a near-death experience that prompts her to reflect on her life and realize that she has never truly lived. This journey encapsulates the struggle of awakening to life and self-discovery, as Melissa confronts the reality of her previous existence. The show invites viewers to explore the profound question of what it means to live fully.
Kwame Anthony Appiah and the Kluge Prize
A significant highlight of the episode is the announcement of the 2024 John W. Kluge Prize recipient, philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah. Recognized for his contributions to the study of ethics, nationality, and race, Appiah's work enhances the understanding of identity and belonging, especially in today's complex societal landscape. The Kluge Prize aims to honor scholars whose research reaches beyond academia and impacts the public discourse. This recognition underscores the importance of studying the human experience during times of significant change.
Jane Ellen Harrison's Legacy
The discussion transitions to the remarkable life of Jane Ellen Harrison, the first salaried female academic in England, whose memoir 'Reminiscences of a Student's Life' is now reissued. Harrison's narrative is dissected to explore how her self-presentation shaped her identity amidst a male-dominated academic landscape. Despite not securing a permanent teaching position initially, she established herself as an influential figure in classics, renowned for her engaging lectures and significant publications. Harrison's journey reflects both her triumphs and the challenges faced by women striving for recognition and equality in academia.
The Complexity of Biographical Narratives
The conversation delves into the complexities of writing biographies, particularly about individuals like Harrison, whose narrative has been largely constructed by others due to the scarcity of her personal writings. The absence of a comprehensive archive complicates the task of recreating her life story, highlighting the fragility of historical narratives about women. The importance of anecdotal evidence in shaping perceptions of Harrison’s legacy is emphasized, illustrating how her self-crafted stories served a powerful purpose. The discussion serves as a reminder of the broader challenges of reconstructing the lives of historically marginalized figures and the narratives that others create around them.
Jane Ellen Harrison was Britain’s first female career academic, a maverick public intellectual burdened with the label ‘the cleverest woman in England’. Her quips and quirks became legendary, but many of those anecdotes were promulgated by Harrison herself. Mary Beard joins Tom to discuss Harrison’s legacy, the challenges in writing her life and the careful cultivation of her voice.