The Open Syllabus project has come up with a list of the most commonly taught books in college–at least according to syllabi that are available on-line. “The Canterbury Tales” leads the list. Shakespeare, of course, is the most represented author.
Monthly Archives: February 2016
Lyra’s Epic Journey To Grow Up
Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy is a frontal assault on sin-obsessed patriarchal churches. While I don’t find this depiction to be compelling, I am drawn into his coming-of-age story.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Christian church, Golden Compass, John Milton, Paradise Lost, Philip Pullman, Sin Comments closed
Peyton: Old Age Hath Yet His Honor
Two narratives clash on Super Bowl Sunday: the return of the king vs. the aging king that must be overthrown. Is Peyton Manning Odysseus and the Panthers the suitors? Or is he the dragon who must yield to the next generation?
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Alfred Lord Tennyson, Football, Homer, Odyssey, Peyton Manning, Sports, Super Bowl, Ulysses Comments closed
An ANTidote for Apocalyptic Talk
Depressed by all the doom and gloom being voiced in the presidential primaries? Here’s a Scott Bates poem about an apocalytptic antichrist ant to lighten you mood.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "A Is for Apocalyptic Ant", politics, Presidential Primaries, Scott Bates Comments closed
Could Fascism Happen Here?
Sinclair Lewis’s “It Can’t Happen Here,” about the election of a fascist in a 1930s presidential election, seems suddenly relevant again. The novel turns 80-years-old this year.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged American values, Donald Trump, Fascism, It Can't Happen Here, Marco Rubio, Sinclair Lewis, Ted Cruz Comments closed
The Very Deep Is Rotting in Flint, Michigan
The water crisis experienced by the residents of Flint, Michigan is described in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Now they just need a governor who, like the mariner, is genuinely penitent.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Flint Michigan, poisoned water, pollution, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor Coleridge Comments closed
