EconTalk

Zach Weinersmith on Beowulf and Bea Wolf

Mar 13, 2023

Join Zach Weinersmith, a talented cartoonist and author of the graphic novel 'Bea Wolf,' as he delves into the timeless allure of Beowulf. He discusses its rich interpretations, from mortality to our inner demons, demonstrating how these themes resonate today. Zach shares insights on adapting classic poetry for children, the significance of poetry in development, and why memorization is crucial for deeper understanding. He also reflects on storytelling's powerful role in conveying life's truths, all while blending humor into ancient narratives.

01:03:12

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Episode guests

Zach Weinersmith

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Adapting Beowulf for Young Minds

19min

The Lasting Impact of Poetry Versus Music on Children

3min

The Rhythm and Resonance of Poetry

4min

Timeless Tales: Beowulf's Deeper Themes

16min

Focus Amidst Distractions

12min

Navigating the Complexities of Classic Literature

3min

The Emotional Journey of Crafting a Modern Epic

4min

Tolkien read it as a tale about mortality. The poet David Whyte said it was a metaphor for the psychological demons deep in our minds. And that, insists the cartoonist and writer Zach Weinersmith, is precisely Beowulf's appeal: Its richness opens the door to endless interpretation. Listen as the author of Bea Wolf, a graphic novel for children based on the Old English poem, speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about poetry in general, Beowulf in particular, whether we should require students to memorize poems, and the value of stories for children even without a moral lesson.

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