The Plunge with Derek Holser Boy to Man: George MacDonald for Every Generation | Bret van den Brink
May 23, 2025
Bret van den Brink, a rising literary scholar and MA student at the University of Toronto, shares his inspiring journey from rural roots to intellectual discovery. He elaborates on how George MacDonald shaped his faith and understanding of literature. The conversation touches on the passage from boyhood to manhood, the challenges of his generation, and the importance of literary exploration in developing empathy. Additionally, Bret delves into the interplay of technology and storytelling, emphasizing the need for connection with nature and imagination in today's world.
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From Farm Boy To Precocious Reader
- Brett grew up in rural British Columbia and moved from public to Christian schooling, which jumpstarted his biblical and literary curiosity.
- He devoured Lewis and then MacDonald early, which shaped his academic trajectory toward Milton and romance literature.
Romance Connects Literary Eras
- Romance is an older literary term that maps onto modern fantasy and links Renaissance, Romantic, and MacDonaldian traditions.
- Studying Sidney through Milton helps trace how MacDonald inherited and reshaped the romance tradition.
Build Academic Momentum Deliberately
- Pursue an academic path with persistence: publish, attend conferences, and build connections to survive a tough job market.
- Apply early and widely for PhDs and view uncertain outcomes with patient trust in providence.
