The Literary Life Podcast

On today's episode on The Literary Life podcast, we bring you a special re-mix of our popular series on Harry Potter: Book 1 by J. K. Rowling, with hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks. After sharing a little on their own backgrounds as teachers and their commonplace quotations for the week, Angelina and Thomas open the book discussion with some introductory information on this book and series. They address the controversy surrounding these books in Christian circles. For our previous episode on magic, listen to our Best of Series Episode 168: Wizards, Witches and Magic, Oh My! Angelina sets up this series with some background on children's publishing in the 1990s, the why there are differences in the British and American editions, the basis for this book in the classic literary tradition, the form and structure of stories. They also share some thoughts on these first couple of chapters. Join us again next week for chapters 3-7! Visit HouseofHumaneLetters.com for updates on classes with Angelina, Thomas, and other members of their teaching team. To view the full show notes for this episode, including links to books mentioned, today's commonplace quotes, and poem, please visit https://theliterary.life/279.

Natalia Testa, a rising homeschool junior passionate about classical languages and detective novels, shares her fascinating literary journey. She recounts her childhood reading experiences that ignited her love for ancient history and literature. Natalia's encounter with Dorothy Sayers propelled her into the world of detective fiction. The conversation touches on overcoming reading slumps and the joys of exploring obscure manuscripts. With insights from her studies at the House of Humane Letters, she exemplifies how engaging with complex texts can shape one’s literary identity.

The hosts dive deep into Flannery O’Connor's 'A Good Man is Hard to Find,' discussing the story's themes of morality, redemption, and the complexity of human nature. They explore character dynamics, particularly the grandmother's manipulative nature, and the societal critiques embedded in the narrative. The conversation touches on nostalgia versus reality in O’Connor's portrayal of the Old South, and examines the philosophical dance between faith and nihilism. Listeners are invited to reflect on violence as a means of grace and the profound questions about identity and existence raised in the story.

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.