Category Archives: Sidney (Sir Philip)

Stephen Gosson: Unhinged by Lit

By Robin Bates | Published: July 24, 2016

Stephen Gosson, a 17th century Puritan and failed playwright, unloads virtually every poet revered in the 17th century. Though we dismiss his words today, they anticipated contemporary attacks on literature/

Also posted in Gosson (Stephen) | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Workers of the World, Read! (Then Unite)

By Robin Bates | Published: June 29, 2016

A “Washington Post” article argues that the arts are key in counteracting economic injustice. While this is true, the arts must be accompanied by smart politics to achieve this end.

Also posted in Fitzgerald (F. Scott), Wharton (Edith) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Cosmic Theory of Literature

By Robin Bates | Published: November 11, 2015

My attempt at an overarching theory of literature and its place in human history and human progress.

Also posted in Austen (Jane), Rand (Ayn), Shakespeare (William), Terence | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Can Lit Also Be a Force for Evil? A Debate

By Robin Bates | Published: October 22, 2015

The classics are capable to doing great good but can they also do harm? Even as they powerfully open up the mind to new possibilities, can they also close it down? A debate.

Also posted in Aristotle, Austen (Jane), Plato, Shelley (Percy) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Poetry, the Road to Virtuous Action

By Robin Bates | Published: July 31, 2014

Sir Philip Sidney believed that poetry was the most powerful means of leading us to virtuous action.

Also posted in Virgil | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

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