Ep107 "Why do brains love stories?" (with Joshua Landy)

Sonnet 7 is one of 154 sonnets written by the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare, in which the speaker compares the trajectory of life to the sun rising, being high in the sky, and then setting. The speaker basically says, you know, the sun's pretty glorious when it rises, and then it's really powerful. Everyone's in awe of the sun when it's at its height. But then when it goes down, everyone doesn't give a monkeys about it anymore. The last caplet is, so thou thyself, outgoing in thy noon, unlooked on diest, unless thou hast a son.

Sentimental Education is a novel that chronicles the life of Frédéric Moreau, a young man from the provinces who arrives in Paris with ambitions and romantic ideals. The novel spans three decades, including the revolution of 1848 and the subsequent social and political changes. It is a sweeping panorama of French society, critiquing the hypocrisy and mediocrity of the Second Empire. Flaubert's narrative intertwines the personal and intimate lives of his characters with the broader political and social context, highlighting the failures and disillusionments of his generation.

This graphic adaptation of Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' presents the first volume, 'Swann's Way', in a compressed and visually engaging format. The adaptation, likened to a 'piano reduction of an orchestral score', retains the fundamental architecture and themes of Proust’s work, including time, art, and the elusiveness of memory. Stéphane Heuet's detailed illustrations bring to life the narrator Marcel's childhood memories in Combray, capturing the humor, wit, and memorable characters of Proust's original text. This adaptation is designed to make Proust's work more accessible while maintaining its essence and beauty.

The Song of Solomon is a lyric poem that extols the virtues of love between a husband and his wife. It presents marriage as God's design, emphasizing care, commitment, and delight within the marital relationship. The book is divided into three main sections: courtship, the wedding, and the maturing marriage. It also contains themes of physical and spiritual love, and some interpretations see it as an allegory for Christ's love for the Church.

Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life.

Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.