Episode 254: The Literary Life 2025 Season Preview

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Dec 10, 2024

Get ready for an exciting literary journey in 2025! The hosts reveal upcoming topics like classical education and the complexities of unlikable characters in literature. Nostalgic reflections on 'very special episodes' from 90s TV add humor to their preview. They discuss notable works such as 'The Age of Innocence' and 'The Jungle Book', and announce interactive events, including a Shakespeare read-along. Expect lively discussions on classic literature and literary adaptations, along with special guests ready to join the conversation!

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ANECDOTE

Very Special Episodes

Angelina Stanford reminisced about "very special episodes" in 80s sitcoms, often addressing social issues.
She contrasted this with 90s sitcoms like Seinfeld, which parodied these episodes.

ADVICE

Christmas Sale

Take advantage of the House of Humane Letters' Christmas sale with a 20% discount.
Explore courses like How to Read Fairy Tales, How to Read Harry Potter, and medieval cosmology bundles.

ANECDOTE

Star Wars Webinar

Atlee's popular "How to Read Star Wars as a Medieval Romance" webinar will return.
This year's webinar, "The Tragedy of Darth Vader," will analyze the prequels as a Greek tragedy.

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Age of Innocence

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" is a novel set in New York City during the Gilded Age. It tells the story of Newland Archer, a lawyer entangled in a complex love triangle. The novel explores themes of social constraints, morality, and the clash between tradition and personal desires. Wharton masterfully portrays the rigid social structures of the time and the stifling expectations placed upon women. The novel's intricate plot and insightful character development make it a classic of American literature.

The Necklace

Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace" is a short story exploring themes of ambition, social class, and the consequences of one's actions. The story follows Mathilde Loisel, a woman who borrows a valuable necklace and loses it, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Maupassant's masterful storytelling and ironic twist make the story a classic of French literature. The story's exploration of human nature and the impact of social pressures continues to resonate with readers. The story's ending is particularly memorable for its unexpected and poignant twist.

Don Juan

Molière

Molière's "Don Juan" is a comedic play exploring themes of deception, hypocrisy, and the nature of morality. The play follows the libertine Don Juan as he engages in various amorous adventures. Molière's witty dialogue and satirical portrayal of societal norms make the play a classic of French comedy. The play's exploration of free will and the consequences of one's actions continues to resonate with audiences today. Don Juan's character has become a symbol of rebellious individualism and a subject of ongoing interpretation.

Tartuffe

Molière

Molière's "Tartuffe" is a comedic play that satirizes religious hypocrisy and social deception. The play follows the story of Orgon, a wealthy man who is easily manipulated by the deceitful Tartuffe. Molière's witty dialogue and satirical portrayal of societal norms make the play a classic of French comedy. The play's exploration of the dangers of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking continues to resonate with audiences today. The play's themes of deception and manipulation remain relevant in the modern world.

The Rage Against God

Peter Hitchens

Peter Hitchens's "The Rage Against God" is a memoir exploring his journey away from religious faith. Hitchens recounts his upbringing in a religious household and his eventual rejection of organized religion. The book delves into his personal experiences and intellectual arguments that shaped his worldview. It offers a candid and often critical perspective on religious belief and its impact on society. Hitchens's writing style is known for its wit and intellectual rigor, making the book engaging for readers regardless of their religious beliefs.

Elizabeth and her German Garden

Elizabeth von Arnim

Elizabeth von Arnim's "Elizabeth and Her German Garden" is a memoir disguised as a novel, recounting the author's experiences establishing a garden in Germany. The book blends gardening advice with witty observations on life and society. Von Arnim's charming writing style and humorous anecdotes make the book a delightful read. The book's exploration of themes of independence, self-reliance, and the restorative power of nature continues to resonate with readers. The book's blend of practical advice and personal reflection makes it a unique and engaging read.

Agnes Grey

Anne Brontë

Anne Brontë's "Agnes Grey" is a novel that offers a realistic portrayal of a governess's life in 19th-century England. The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Brontë's detailed descriptions of Agnes's experiences and her insightful observations on human nature make the novel a compelling read. The novel's exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the importance of personal integrity continues to resonate with readers. The novel's realistic portrayal of social inequalities and the struggles faced by women remains relevant today.

Experiment and Criticism

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C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis's "Experiment in Criticism" is a work of literary theory that explores the nature of literary taste and the process of critical evaluation. Lewis examines various approaches to literary criticism, offering his own insights and perspectives. The book's exploration of subjective and objective elements in literary judgment continues to be relevant in the field of literary studies. Lewis's insightful observations on the nature of art and the role of the critic remain valuable for readers and scholars alike. The book's clear and engaging writing style makes it accessible to a wide audience.

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.

How Much Land Does a Man Need?

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Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy's "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" is a short story exploring themes of ambition, greed, and the limitations of human desire. The story follows Pahom, a peasant who strives for more land, ultimately leading to his demise. Tolstoy's masterful storytelling and ironic twist make the story a classic of Russian literature. The story's exploration of human nature and the futility of endless ambition continues to resonate with readers. The story's simple yet profound message about contentment and the limitations of material possessions remains relevant today.

Goblin Market

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Christina Rossetti

Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" is a narrative poem known for its rich imagery and allegorical themes. The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblins selling tempting fruits. Rossetti's use of vivid language and symbolic imagery creates a captivating and unsettling atmosphere. The poem explores themes of temptation, sisterhood, and the power of love and redemption. Its complex symbolism and evocative language have made it a subject of ongoing critical analysis.

Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

The rhyme of the ancient mariner

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" is a narrative poem renowned for its haunting atmosphere, supernatural elements, and allegorical depth. The poem follows an old mariner who shoots an albatross, bringing a curse upon his ship and crew. Through his arduous journey, he confronts his guilt and learns the importance of respecting all living creatures. The poem's exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity has resonated with readers for centuries. Its unique blend of fantasy, symbolism, and psychological insight makes it a cornerstone of Romantic literature. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke profound emotions and spark contemplation on the human condition.

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë

Published in 1847, 'Wuthering Heights' is a novel that tells the story of the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and the foundling Heathcliff, whom her father brings home to Wuthering Heights. The narrative, framed by the visitor Lockwood and the housekeeper Nelly Dean, explores themes of love, revenge, and the cyclical nature of life. Heathcliff's bitter vengeance against those who wronged him drives the plot, which spans generations and delves into the dark, passionate, and often destructive aspects of human nature. The novel is renowned for its dramatic and poetic presentation, its unique structure, and its vivid depiction of the Yorkshire moors as a reflection of the characters' inner lives.

Dracula

Bram Stoker

The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.

Why Literature Still Matters

None

Jason M. Baxter

Murder Must Advertise

Jane McDowell

Dorothy L. Sayers

Till We Have Faces

C.S. Lewis

This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche. Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption. The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings. The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy[2][4][5].

A Good Man is Hard to Find

Flannery O'Connor

Published in 1955, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' is a short story by Flannery O'Connor that follows a Georgia family on a road trip to Florida. The grandmother manipulates the family into taking a detour to visit an old plantation, leading them into a fateful encounter with The Misfit, a violent escaped convict. The story critiques superficial religious attitudes and explores the conflict between appearance and reality, particularly through the characters of the grandmother and The Misfit. It is a tale of moral and philosophical introspection, set against the backdrop of the Southern Gothic tradition, characterized by dark humor, violence, and a sense of foreboding.

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].

The jungle book

Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Book is a collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1894. The book follows the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. The stories are set in a forest in India and feature a cast of animal characters, including Shere Khan the tiger, Baloo the bear, and Bagheera the panther. The tales use animals in an anthropomorphic manner to teach moral lessons and explore themes such as abandonment, fostering, law, freedom, and the human condition. The book is known for its richly imagined natural world and the complex relationship between Mowgli and both the jungle and the human world[2][3][4].

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].