A couple of years ago a former student opted for a “Midsummer Night’s Dream”-themed wedding. For many reasons, it was a perfect choice.
Tag Archives: Marriage
Shakespeare for a Midsummer Wedding
Resolving Shakespeare’s Shrew Problem
“The Taming of the Shrew” is one of Shakespeare’s problem plays because it seems to endorse Kate signing on to a male domination fantasy. Modern productions such as the Synetic Theater’s non-verbal version have to make adjustments to satisfy modern audiences.
Donne Can Help with a Separation
Today is my 43rd wedding anniversary and, although Julia and I plan to be together for many more years, we will live apart next year. John Donne’s “Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” may help us out.
Trollope and Patriarchal Marriage
By portraying traditional Victorian marriages, Anthony Trollope exposes the pathologies that came with them.
Pound’s Description of a Long Marriage
With every passing year of my marriage, which hits 42 years today, my appreciation for Ezra Pound’s “River-Merchant’s Wife” grows.
A Song of Love for Julia
My wife’s beautiful name becomes synonymous with longing in both a Robert Herrick and a John Lennon lyric.
Bechdel Uses Lit to Understand Her Life
Alison’s Bechdel time and again turns to literature in her memoir to understand her upbringing.
The Tiny Rituals that Make a Marriage
Alice McDermott in “Someone” captures the small rituals and routines that make up a marriage.
Austen on Bad Reasons for Getting Married
In “Pride and Prejudice” Jane Austen systematically explores bad reasons for getting married.

