Tag Archives: mass shooting

A Poem for Uvalde’s Grieving Families

By Robin Bates | Published: May 24, 2022

In the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, here’s a Conrad Aiken poem for all who are suffering heartbreak.

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“Beowulf” Understands U.S. Violence

By Robin Bates | Published: August 7, 2019

 Thursday When I launched this blog over 10 years ago, I called it Better Living through Beowulf because Beowulf is the starting text for those of us specializing in British Literature. I used Beowulf to represent all of literature and felt free to write about any literary work that provides insight into the life we […]

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What Would Lord Jim Do?

By Robin Bates | Published: February 28, 2018

Trump and the NRA call for heroes with guns to save us from mass shootings. Conrad’s “Lord Jim” shows us what happens when fantasies encounter reality.

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Grendel Violence Never Ends

By Robin Bates | Published: June 19, 2015

Once again a horrific mass shooting. Once again an occasion to turn to “Beowulf.”

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