Monthly Archives: October 2012

Poetry in a Time of Mourning

By Robin Bates | Published: October 5, 2012

Poetry by E. A. Robinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay played a key role in my cousin’s memorial service.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged "I burn my candle at both ends", "L'Envoi", "Luke Havergal", "Minniver Cheevy", Ballad of the Beanetown Bosox, Daniel Bates, death and dying, E. A. Robinson, Edna St. Vincent Millay | Comments closed

Things Fall Apart in Bishops vs. Nuns

By Robin Bates | Published: October 4, 2012

Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” contrasts rigid and tolerant Christianity in ways that will benefit our own society.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Catholicism, Chinua Achebe, Religion, Things Fall Apart | Comments closed

John Irving’s Defense of Abortion

By Robin Bates | Published: October 3, 2012

“Cider House Rules” calls out those anti-abortion proponents who refuse to face up to the lengths to which some desperate women are willing to go.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Abortion, Charlotte Bronte, Cider House Rules, John Irving | Comments closed

Playing Cards Jane Austen Style

By Robin Bates | Published: October 2, 2012

Playing the card game in “Mansfield Park” gives students insight into the meaning of games.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Cards, games, Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, teaching | Comments closed

Fantasy, Because Reality Is Unsatisfactory

By Robin Bates | Published: October 1, 2012

Fantasy is nothing in and of itself but takes its character in opposition to an unsatisfactory reality.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged "Lady of Shalott", "Lotos Eaters", "Passing of Arthur", Alfred Lord Tennyson, C. S. Lewis, Eve of St. Agnes, J. R. R. Tolkien, Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lord of the Rings, Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare | Comments closed