In “The Wound-Binder,” Walt Whitman refuses to glorify war and only shows its bloody aftermath–a good thing to remember on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s final day.
Monthly Archives: April 2015
America, a Land in Perpetual Search
The hero of Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” shows America how it can live in perpetual search. Insisting that the country look a certain way leads to violence.
A Fantasy about U.S. Thirst for War
Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” understands the thirst of those Americans that want to go to war with Iran.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged American Gods, fantasy, Iran, Iraq War, It, Neil Gaiman, neoconservatives, nuclear negotiations, road novel, Stephen King, violence, war Comments closed
“Jane Eyre” Still Challenges Us
“Jane Eyre” was radical when it came out and it continues to challenge us today with its assertive women.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Rigby, Feminism, George Henry Lewes, Jane Eyre, Villette Comments closed
Out of the Blackness Every Morning
Many of Mary Oliver’s poems, including “The Sun,” function well as Easter poems.
The Cross Recounts the Crucifixion
“Dream of the Rood” tells the story of the crucifixion from the cross’ point of view.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Anonymous, Christianity, crucifixion, Dream of the Rood, Good Friday Comments closed
The Love Songs We Hear Every Spring
Scott Bates finds song birds more entertaining but ultimately opts for silent swans, who mate for life.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Bird Notes on a Beautiful but Noisy April Morning", Birds, birdwatching, Scott Bates Comments closed
Social Media, Our Modern Day Pillory
Social media has become the pillory of the 21st century, shaming people the way Hester Prynne is shamed in “The Scarlet Letter.”
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Jon Ronson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Scarlet Letter, shaming, social media, twitter Comments closed
