Monthly Archives: February 2021

Hugo Describes Trump-Style Resentment

By Robin Bates | Published: February 17, 2021

The toxic mixture of resentment and entitlement found in the Capitol Hill insurrectionists is described by Victor Hugo in “Les Miserables.”

By Robin Bates | Published: February 16, 2021

I celebrate my wife’s 70th birthday with a Christina Rossetti love poem.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 15, 2021

We’re currently undergoing a potentially severe ice storm. Here’s what Robert Frost has to say about ice storms.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 14, 2021

Some rightwing preachers are calling Kamala Harris a “Jezebel.” Tom Robbins explains their anxieties in “Skinny Legs and All.”

By Robin Bates | Published: February 13, 2021

Some Christian see a clash between sex and love. Dante and Milton found ways to reconcile them.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 11, 2021

For a demagogue with the skills of Donald Trump, check out Captain Ahab. Both know how to get people to act against their best interests.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 10, 2021

The first day of Trump’s trial began with Longfellow and ended with James Russell Lowell.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 9, 2021

“The Scarlet Letter” provides several lessons for Trump’s impeachment trial.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 8, 2021

Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration and Super Bowl Poems are bringing back occasional poetry.