The Literary Life Podcast Episode 272: Best of Series – “The Enchanted April” by Elizabeth von Arnim, Ch. 1-11
Apr 15, 2025
Delve into the enchanting world of Elizabeth von Arnim's novel as the hosts explore themes of identity and beauty. They discuss the character dynamics of Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot, revealing their struggles and self-discovery. Humor and humanity shine through with witty remarks and reflections on societal pressures. Learn about von Arnim’s life, her quirky relationships, and the novel's impact on Italian tourism. The conversation emphasizes the richness of literary beauty and personal transformation in the idyllic Italian setting.
01:43:04
Beauty's Dual Nature Explored
- This book explores the tension between beauty as self-indulgence and as something necessary for the soul's happiness.
- The characters wrestle with whether beauty is wasteful or a vital part of life.
Author's Harsh Treatment of Tutors
- Elizabeth von Arnim hired E.M. Forster and Hugh Walpole as tutors but treated them badly, mocking Forster’s tie and Walpole’s pajamas.
- Both men left quickly due to her harsh and humiliating behavior.
Two Sides of Identity Struggle
- Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot embody two sides of the same struggle to find identity and recognition.
- Both women wrestle with feeling unseen or overly seen but not known authentically.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Critique and Comfort: The Beauty of Literature
03:23 • 10min
Humor and Humanity in 'The Enchanted April'
13:30 • 7min
The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth von Arnim
20:31 • 12min
Exploring Characters and Choices in 'The Enchanted April'
32:28 • 4min
Exploring Complex Relationships in 'The Enchanted April'
36:45 • 3min
Navigating Identity in 'The Enchanted April'
39:27 • 25min
The Complexities of Beauty
01:04:27 • 23min
Transformations in 'The Enchanted April'
01:27:33 • 11min
Reflections and Springtime Whimsy in Literary Life
01:38:16 • 5min
#743
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
The Idiot
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky between 1867 and 1869, 'The Idiot' follows the story of Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man with a pure and innocent heart, often mistaken for an 'idiot' due to his simplicity and goodness.
The novel examines how this 'positively beautiful man' navigates a world filled with corruption, moral decay, and complex human relationships.
Myshkin's interactions with characters like Nastasya Filippovna and Aglaia Epanchina highlight themes of love, suffering, sacrifice, and the clash between idealistic values and the harsh realities of society.
The novel ultimately leads to Myshkin's mental breakdown and his inability to cope with the world around him.
#198
• Mentioned in 70 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#378
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
The Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy is an Italian narrative poem begun around 1308 and completed around 1321.
It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.
The poem discusses the state of the soul after death and presents an image of divine justice, describing Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
It is an allegory representing the soul's journey towards God, drawing on medieval Catholic theology and philosophy, especially Thomistic philosophy.
The work is considered one of the greatest in Italian literature and Western literature, and it helped establish the Tuscan language as the standardized Italian language.
#8054
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Howard's End
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E. M. Forster
E. M.
Forster's "Howard's End" is a novel exploring the clash between the upper and middle classes in Edwardian England.
The novel follows the Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, and their interactions with the Wilcoxes, a wealthy family.
Forster masterfully portrays the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of bridging social divides.
The novel's central theme is the importance of human connection and empathy, symbolized by the recurring phrase "Only Connect.
" "Howard's End" is a poignant and insightful exploration of class, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
#10386
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Grimm's fairy tales
Jacob Grimm
A collection of classic fairy tales compiled by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, featuring beloved stories such as Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Rapunzel.
These tales, originating from German folklore, explore themes of good versus evil, morality, and the power of perseverance.
The Grimms' work has had a lasting impact on children's literature and popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations and reinterpretations.
The stories often feature magical elements, talking animals, and supernatural beings, reflecting the rich tapestry of European folklore.
Their enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of these enchanting narratives.
#10938
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Enchanted April
Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim's "The Enchanted April" is a novel about a group of women who rent a castle in Italy.
The novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the restorative power of nature.
Von Arnim's witty writing and charming characters make the novel a delightful read.
The novel's exploration of female relationships and the importance of personal growth continues to resonate with readers.
The novel's setting in Italy adds to its charm and provides a backdrop for the characters' transformations.
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Sartor resartus
Thomas Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle's "Sartor Resartus" is a philosophical work exploring themes of clothing, society, and the nature of reality.
It's presented as a fictional treatise on the philosophy of clothes, using clothing as a metaphor for the superficial aspects of society and the search for meaning.
The work is known for its complex prose and its exploration of spiritual and philosophical ideas.
It's considered one of Carlyle's most important works, showcasing his unique style and his profound insights into human nature.
Its influence on later thinkers and writers is significant, demonstrating its lasting impact on intellectual discourse.
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The angel in the house
Coventry Patmore
Coventry Patmore's "The Angel in the House" is a long poem that idealizes the Victorian woman as a pure, selfless, and devoted wife.
The poem's influence on Victorian society was significant, shaping expectations of women's roles and behavior.
It presents a romanticized view of domesticity and marital love, often criticized for its restrictive portrayal of women.
However, it also offers insights into the social and cultural norms of the time.
The poem's enduring legacy lies in its impact on the understanding of gender roles and the idealization of domesticity in Victorian England.
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The art of the commonplace
the agrarian essays of Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry's "The Art of the Commonplace" is a collection of essays exploring themes of nature, community, and the importance of place.
Berry's writing emphasizes the interconnectedness of human life and the natural world, advocating for a more sustainable and ethical way of living.
His essays are known for their lyrical prose and their profound insights into the human condition.
Berry's work is considered essential reading for anyone interested in environmentalism, agrarianism, and the importance of place.
His influence on contemporary thought and action is significant, inspiring readers to engage with the world in a more thoughtful and responsible manner.
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The garden party
Katherine Mansfield
Katherine Mansfield's "The Garden Party" is a short story exploring themes of class, social divisions, and the complexities of human relationships.
The story follows a young woman from a wealthy family as she prepares for a garden party, juxtaposing the celebration with the death of a working-class man in the neighborhood.
Mansfield's evocative prose and her keen observation of human behavior create a powerful and moving narrative.
The story's exploration of social inequalities and the complexities of human experience continues to resonate with readers today.
Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes and its masterful storytelling.
Welcome back to The Literary Life podcast with Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins and Thomas Banks. This week we are bringing you another episode from the vault, this time part one of our series on The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. Thomas gives some interesting biographical information about von Arnim, and Angelina shares some perspective on appreciating the art and the life of artist. Cindy highlights the fact that we see only caricatures of the women in England, and it isn’t until they get to Italy that we begin to see their real selves. Angelina also points out that all the women are on identity quests in this story. Angelina unpacks some of the metaphors in this book and the Dante-esque images, in addition to the key place beauty has in the story.
Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Literary Life Online Conference coming up later this month! Register today for “Living Language: Why Words Matter” at HouseofHumaneLetters.com for full live or later access.
To view the full show notes for this episode, please visit our website at https://theliterary.life/282.