The History of Literature

Join author and scholar Karen Spence, an expert in ancient Rome and mafia history, as she dives into the cultural impact of *The Godfather*. She discusses its complex characters, the moral ambiguities that make audiences root for criminals, and how Coppola framed it as a family drama akin to Shakespeare. Spence also shares insights into production details, the influences behind iconic characters, and critiques of the trilogy's portrayal of women. Plus, Elyse Graham reveals her choice for the last book she would read!

Kathryn Sutherland, a Senior Research Fellow at St. Anne's College, Oxford, shares fascinating insights from her book, which explores Jane Austen through the lens of 41 objects that shaped her life. They discuss how these objects debunk sanitized family narratives about Austen and the significance of her social class and possessions. Additionally, they delve into the origins and global impact of Gabriel García Márquez's '100 Years of Solitude', examining its role in the magical realism genre and its influence on writers like Salman Rushdie.

Delve into the haunting world of George Orwell's 1984 as the discussion explores its chilling themes of control and surveillance. The contrast between Orwell's fear-driven tyranny and Huxley’s pleasure-based dystopia highlights the dual nature of societal control. Listeners discover Winston Smith’s quiet rebellions amid totalitarian grasp and learn about Orwell's impactful life experiences that shaped his writing. The legacy of 1984 resonates today, eerily reflecting modern technology and its implications for freedom.

Urmila Seshagiri, a Distinguished Professor of Humanities and an expert on Virginia Woolf, reveals the recently discovered early stories of Woolf, featuring a giantess named Violet. She discusses how these humorous tales reflect Woolf's innovative spirit and early ambitions. Seshagiri also shares the captivating story of her manuscript discovery and explores the proto-feminist themes in Woolf's work. Literary biographer Jake Poller joins to share his intriguing choice for the last book he would ever read, highlighting his evolving literary taste.

Nan Z. Da, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear, explores the powerful connections between Shakespeare's King Lear and the tumultuous history of Maoist China. She discusses how Lear's themes of scripted speech and political dissent resonate deeply in both contexts. Additionally, she reflects on her upbringing, the flawed nature of meritocracy, and the tragic nuances of parental relationships. Literary biographer Iris Jamahl Dunkle shares her pick for the last book she'd read, celebrating the lasting impact of Elizabeth Bishop's poetry.

Stephen Greenblatt, a distinguished literary scholar and historian, dives deep into the life of Christopher Marlowe, a gifted writer who dramatically shaped English literature despite his short life. They discuss the turbulent political climate of late 16th-century England that fostered Marlowe's radical ideas. Greenblatt reveals how Marlowe’s innovative use of blank verse in works like Tamburlaine redefined drama. The conversation even touches on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Marlowe's untimely death, leaving listeners intrigued by this enigmatic literary figure.

Laurie Frankel, a novelist known for her insightful stories, shares details about her upcoming novel, Enormous Wings, featuring a surprising twist involving a 77-year-old woman's unexpected pregnancy. Mike Palindrome, a reading organizer, talks about engaging slow-read projects focused on classic literature from 1965-1975. They discuss the cultural climate of that decade, making recommendations like A.L. Doctorow's Ragtime and Flannery O'Connor's short stories. The episode reflects on gratitude and the rich literary landscape shaped by these transformative years.

Catherine Rayner, a Brontë expert and nurse, dives into the complex dynamics of the Brontë siblings, particularly Charlotte's unexpected rise as the family's leader after tragic early losses. She explores how sibling rivalry shaped their lives and writings, revealing the tension when Charlotte faced rejection while Emily and Anne found success. Rayner also sheds light on Branwell's struggles, the family's psychological challenges, and their unique coping mechanisms through fantasy and creativity. Additionally, author Keith Cooper shares his thoughts on the last book he'd read, blending humor with profound implications on existence.

Nilou Tabrizi, an investigative reporter specializing in open-source visual forensics, shares her deep insights on Iran's Women-Led Uprising that followed the tragic death of Mahsa Jîna Amini. She highlights the powerful symbols of protest, the high-profile arrests, and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Additionally, Dr. Sharmila Sen, Harvard's Editorial Director, reflects on the significance of classic Indian literature and shares her poignant choice for the final book she would ever read, blending personal nostalgia with cultural reflection.

Mark Cirino, a Hemingway scholar and editor, joins the conversation to delve into A Farewell to Arms, discussing the novel's connection between love and war, and Hemingway's anti-heroic portrayal of conflict. The talk covers Hemingway’s lean writing style and the vivid minor characters that enrich the narrative. Ken Krimstein, graphic novelist renowned for Einstein in Kafkaland, shares his thoughts on the last book he'd choose to read, reflecting on literary preferences and iconic works. Additionally, Joyce Carol Oates' online spar with a billionaire is analyzed for its commentary on wealth and meaning.