Past Present Future

Delve into the dystopian world of 'The Handmaid's Tale' discussing Gilead's origins and potential futures. Explore themes of replacement fear, ideological basis in society, and the ruthless takeover of a dystopian regime. Analyze the oppressive society of Gilead focusing on power dynamics, roles of women, and parallels to real-world issues. Contemplate catastrophic events shaping dystopian futures and the importance of societal trends.

Exploring the complexities of India and democracy in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, discussing themes of identity, division, and magical realism, and delving into the unique portrayal of India's evolution through historical events. Plus, analyzing the relevance of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in today's society.

Delving into Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' and its enduring influence on tech titans, exploring themes of individualism, free market, and anti-socialist polemics. Unpacking the central themes of guilt and power in the novel, and drawing parallels between characters in the book and contemporary industrial giants. Discussing the impact of 'Atlas Shrugged' on visionary entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, teasing upcoming analysis of British politics and Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children'.

Exploring Brecht's anti-war play set during the Thirty Years' War, delving into themes of violence and cruelty. Analyzing Mother Courage's unlovable character and audience empathy. Reflecting on the misinterpretation of 'poignant' in student essays and teasing upcoming episodes on UK politics and historical elections.

The podcast explores H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and its themes of class struggle, societal divisions, and the consequences of evolution. It delves into the contrasting civilizations of Eloi and Morlocks, symbolic representations of social classes. The discussion includes the exploration of the underground in London, reflecting on human identity and the philosophical reflections on human development.

Delve into the complex duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, exploring themes like hypocrisy, control, and conflicting desires. Compare two murder mysteries in London showcasing different motives. Unravel the transformation's impact on relationships and societal constraints. Reflect on the intertwined identities of characters and their public-private persona divide, drawing parallels to real-world figures like Hillary Clinton. Explore themes of human division in literature and anticipate the upcoming episode dissecting H.G. Wells' works.

The podcast dives into the political intrigue of Anthony Trollope's novel 'Phineas Redux,' exploring power plays, manipulation, and the struggle between principles and pragmatism in the Victorian political landscape. It delves into the complexity of characters, the dynamics of political maneuvering, and the delicate balance between personal integrity and party loyalty.

Exploring power dynamics in George Eliot's Middlemarch, the podcast delves into religion, reputation, and moral dilemmas. From the contrast between clergyman Fairbother and Kazubon to the unveiling of Ballstrode's hypocrisy, listeners are taken on a journey of deception, blackmail, and love. The impact of public opinion on individual choices and struggles with financial stability add layers to the storyline, making for a gripping discussion on morality and ambition.

Delve into the intricate themes of morality and power in 'Middlemarch', a novel set in 1829-32 that challenges Nietzsche's moralistic label. Explore how personal relationships in the book reveal deep political undertones. Stay tuned for part 2 on marriage, hypocrisy, guilt, and redemption.

Helen Lewis joins to discuss Mesmerism, delving into its origins, societal impacts, and connections to modern phenomena. Topics include Franz Mesmer as a healer or charlatan, the evolution of Mesmerism, gender bias in medical research, psychological influences on health, and parallels to social contagion and hypnotherapy.