In a lively debate, John Mullan champions Charles Dickens, known for his vivid portrayal of 19th-century society, while Simon Schama defends Leo Tolstoy, the master of deep philosophical narratives. They discuss the enduring legacy of both authors, highlighting Dickens' blend of humor and darkness in 'Great Expectations.' Dramatic readings, including evocative moments from 'Bleak House,' reveal Dickens' atmospheric storytelling. Tom Hiddleston adds flair with his performances, showcasing the emotional complexities and character dynamics in their masterpieces.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Schama's Tolstoy Introduction
Simon Schama's friend challenged him to read War and Peace.
Schama read it while working at Liberty's soft furnishings department.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mullen's Dickens Introduction
John Mullen's English teacher, Mr. Reggiani, read David Copperfield aloud in class.
This sparked Mullen's lifelong love for Dickens.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tolstoy's Dickens Portrait
John Mullen visited Tolstoy's house and saw a portrait of Dickens.
Tolstoy kept this portrait above his desk, highlighting Dickens's influence.
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In this book, John Mullan delves into the literary machinations of Charles Dickens, highlighting his use of narrative tricks such as fantastic analogies, comically apt names, and the deployment of coincidences. Mullan explores how Dickens's techniques, including his use of smells and shifts in tense, contributed to his unique storytelling style and enduring literary impact.
Force 10 From Navarone
Alistair MacLean
Force 10 from Navarone is a sequel to Alistair MacLean's 'The Guns of Navarone', set during World War II. The story follows Captain Keith Mallory and Corporal Dusty Miller as they embark on a new mission, code-named 'Force 10', to aid Yugoslav Partisans against Nazi forces. The novel is characterized by its complex plot of double-crosses and triple-crosses, typical of MacLean's style.
David Copperfield
Paul Lorain
Charles Dickens
A classic novel by Charles Dickens, following the life of David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood.
Bleak House
Charles Dickens
Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique. The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
Great Expectations
Charles Dickens
Great Expectations is a classic novel by Charles Dickens that chronicles the life of Pip, a young orphan living in the marshes of Kent. The story begins with Pip's encounter with an escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, which sets off a chain of events that changes his life. Pip inherits a large fortune from an anonymous benefactor, which he uses to become a gentleman. However, his journey is marked by his unrequited love for Estella, the adopted daughter of the eccentric Miss Havisham, and his eventual discovery that his benefactor is not who he expected. The novel explores themes of social class, love, rejection, and the search for true identity, set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England.
Dickens. Tolstoy. Their names and reputations shake the ground – and so do their books, if you drop one. But whose legacy is more enduring? Whose vision truer and more relevant today? Should you embark on War and Peace or Our Mutual Friend? To battle it out, in 2018 Intelligence Squared brought two celebrated writers, John Mullan for Dickens and Simon Schama for Tolstoy, to our stage. They called on a cast of star actors, including Tom Hiddleston, to bring their arguments to life with readings from the authors’ finest works. The debate was chaired by author, playwright and broadcaster Bonnie Greer. This is the first instalment of a three-part episode.
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