The History of Literature

Mike Palindrome, president of the Literature Supporters Club, joins to dive into Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown". They explore the chilling allegory of faith and temptation set in Puritan New England. The discussion highlights the story's suspense, the enigmatic character of Faith, and the critique of Puritan hypocrisy. They ponder whether Goodman Brown’s journey is real or a dream and how it reflects the psychology of lost faith. Palindrome’s insight into Hawthorne's legacy adds depth to their engaging analysis of this iconic short story.

Edward J. Watts, a historian and professor at UC San Diego, shares insights from his book on Rome's 2,000-year history. He discusses how Rome's enduring legacy stemmed from its integration of diverse cultures and institutions, while tracing its improbable rise from a small settlement. Watts delves into the role of storytelling and literature in shaping Roman identity, along with the critical factors leading to Rome's eventual decline. Nathan Hensley also joins to reveal his choice for the last book he'd read, Shakespeare's collected works, sparking a conversation on impactful literature.

Explore the intriguing world of Emily Brontë, who, under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, sparked curiosity with her novel Wuthering Heights just before her untimely passing. Discover how she reacted to differing reviews, from the dark and violent critiques to those praising its original power. Delve into Emily's struggle with public perception and her desire for literary recognition while navigating life on the moors. The episode reflects on the profound impact of early criticism and her unique legacy in literature.

Explore the fascinating origins of the sonnet, tracing its roots to 13th-century Sicily and the influence of poets like Petrarch and Shakespeare. Discover the sonnet's evolution through the centuries, from playful parodies to modern experimental forms. Delve into why this 14-line structure, with its blend of challenge and flexibility, continues to captivate poets today. Hear about famous sonneteers and the diverse subjects they tackle, proving that sonnets encompass much more than just love.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Mitchell, a renowned translator and author known for his modern adaptations of spiritual classics, shares insights from his latest work, The First Christmas. He explores the Nativity story, emphasizing empathy through reimagined characters like a compassionate innkeeper and gives voice to animals in the tale. Mitchell reflects on his journey of translation, spiritual discovery, and why the Nativity resonates deeply. The conversation also touches on J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, delving into its themes of exclusion and authenticity.

This holiday-themed discussion dives into the legacy of Charles Dickens and his iconic character, Ebenezer Scrooge. Explore how Scrooge’s name and story reflect themes of miserliness and redemption. Discover the fascinating tale behind the tombstone that inspired Scrooge and Dickens's moral concerns about wasted lives. Jacke illuminates the joy and societal issues intertwined in Dickens's view of Christmas, highlighting the enduring impact of A Christmas Carol on charity and holiday traditions.

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.