Author Archives: Robin Bates

Conquering the Darkness Within

By Robin Bates | Published: February 22, 2024

Pratchett’s novel “Thud!” is a plea to find inner strength rather than yielding to blind rage.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 21, 2024

Leonard Leo, who has been successful remaking the Supreme Court, resembles Doyle’s Professor Moriarty.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 20, 2024

In betraying Ukraine, Sen. Lindsey Graham is showing a sycophancy to Trump that is similar to that of Oswald for Goneril.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 19, 2024

The both-siderism that equates Trump with Biden would probably equate Saruman with Gandalf.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 18, 2024

Some Russians saw Navalny, recently killed by Putin, as a Harry Potter “boy who lived.” That dream is gone but others live on.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 17, 2024

In which I set forth this year’s Lenten discipline: reading novels by African American authors.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 15, 2024

In which I use one of Swift’s birthday poems to celebrate my Julia’s birthday.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 14, 2024

Dickinson’s “Wild Nights” is an astonishing love poem, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

By Robin Bates | Published: February 13, 2024

Crane’s poem “Forgetfulness” captures the ambiguity of this mental state.