The Literary Life Podcast

On today’s episode of The Literary Life podcast, Angelina and Thomas continue their series on Flannery O’Connor with a discussion of her short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” After sharing their commonplace quotes, Angelina explains why she chose this particular story to go over on the podcast. She and Thomas then go over the characters in the family and the dynamics at play. Some of the ideas they talk about in this story are the appearance of respectability, the sentimental view of the “Old South,” the medieval and Sophoclean elements in the story, superficial Christianity versus nihilism, and so much more. They wrap up this episode with more thoughts on O’Connor’s use of violence as a means of grace and how her stories can open people’s eyes to their own depravity. If you are interested in learning more about Flannery O’Connor, you can purchase Angelina’s previously recorded class, The Redemptive Vision of Flannery O’Connor. Now is the time to sign up for the upcoming summer classes and webinars at The House of Humane Letters. Some of the classes highlighted in this episode are Angelina’s next installment in her series of classes on Harry Potter and Thomas’ class on five famous figures of the Victorian era. To view the full show notes for this episode, including book links, quotes and this week's poem, please visit https://theliterary.life/277.

Delve into the world of Flannery O’Connor, the enigmatic Southern Gothic author. Discover her early influences and how her Catholic faith shaped her storytelling. The hosts discuss common misconceptions about her work and the cultural dynamics between her and other literary figures. They explore themes of violence and grace in her narratives, revealing the profound depth behind her characters. With a touch of humor, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding O’Connor’s legacy in today’s literary landscape.

The conversation delves into Angelina Stanford's literary journey, starting with her childhood love of books and a pivotal moment with 'A Wrinkle in Time.' She recalls her disdain for literary analysis in high school and the influence of mentors like Flannery O'Connor and Burton Raffel. The discussion also covers her decision to leave academia for homeschooling, fostering a passion for learning in her own children. Throughout, there's an exploration of the joys of teaching literature and the significance of community in literary education.

Dr. Anne Phillips, a passionate teacher of Latin and Greek with a PhD in classical studies, discusses her enriching homeschool experience and love for Greek myths. She emphasizes the necessity of quality literature in nurturing discernment among readers. The conversation dives into the challenges of academia today and the vivid interplay between literature and family life. Dr. Phillips also shares insights on her Substack writing and the importance of engaging students with classical texts, making a compelling case for reviving classical education.

This week on The Literary Life podcast, Angelina, Cindy and Thomas continue their discussion of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, on chapters 12-22. Angelina and Thomas begin the conversation sharing some thoughts on modern literature and why we don’t hear of modern authors like Elizabeth von Arnim among “the academy.” Cindy tells us what stood out to her most in the second half of the book and the surprising turns von Arnim takes in the storyline. Angelina and Thomas also talk about the types of books they enjoy, and Cindy brings up the longings and fears of the various characters. The metaphors and fairy tale concepts found in this book are, of course, major topics of the conversation. Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Literary Life Online Conference coming April 23-26, 2025! 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 https://theliterary.life/273.  

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.

Peter Hitchens, an accomplished author and journalist, shares his literary journey and childhood memories of reading. He discusses the often-overlooked works of George Orwell and reflects on the Spanish Civil War's complexities. The conversation dives into forgotten 20th-century authors and the significance of ghost stories. Hitchens emphasizes the loss of literary tradition, while highlighting the cultural impact of classic literature, including Arthur Conan Doyle's contributions. It's an engaging exploration of literature's enduring legacy and its role in shaping society.

Delve into Tolstoy's haunting tale, exploring the tension between ambition and contentment. The discussion reveals how materialism can corrupt, contrasting the richness of true vocation with the perils of unchecked desire. Dive into Tolstoy’s transformative journey and the moral nuances that shape his storytelling. Also touched upon are the significance of education and introspection amidst societal pressures. The conversation is enriched with literary insights and prepares for upcoming community events that foster deeper literary engagement.

Dive into a captivating exploration of C.S. Lewis's 'An Experiment in Criticism,' where hosts dissect the art of 'receiving' versus 'using' literature. They unravel the complexities of literary experiences and address common misconceptions about Lewis's work. Expect reflections on the evolution of literary criticism, engaging anecdotes, and an upcoming conference that underscores the importance of language. Plus, discover how to cultivate a deeper connection to literature without breaking the bank, all while navigating the intersection of ethics, politics, and personal engagement in reading.

The discussion kicks off with insights on poetry, emphasizing the sound and experience of the written word. Angelina and Thomas share their favorite literary resources, underlining the importance of staying true to the text. They explore the nuances of marginalia and its impact on reading. The conversation delves into the purpose of literature: to enrich our souls and broaden our perspectives. A thought-provoking question emerges: will we approach reading with hubris or humility? This exploration of literary criticism invites listeners to deepen their understanding of texts.