The title of Edith Wharton's most famous and Pulitzer Prize winning novel is most likely derived from a famous painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The painting was created sometime between 1785-1788 (see below). Sir Reynolds did not actually title the painting, as the name was given to the work after his death. The painting was … Continue reading The Age of Innocence on Trial
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The Invisible Man
The Invisible Man is a surprisingly well-made and enjoyable film. It was based on H.G. Wells's 1897 novel of the same name, though there are some notable differences between the film and the novel, for example in the book Griffin is naturally a-moral and insane, whereas in the film he consumes chemicals which make him both … Continue reading The Invisible Man
Euripides and the Gods: Ion
Ion is an odd play for a Euripidian tragedy. Unlike many of his other works, Ion prominently features the gods, including a closing scene in which Athena resolves the impending conflict of the play. Apollo, though silent throughout the play, is portrayed in an unflattering light, while Athena is cast as all-knowing, not unlike the Athena … Continue reading Euripides and the Gods: Ion
Brief Thoughts on The Trojan Women
Known in Latin as the Troades, Euripides's The Trojan Women was said by Aelian's Varia Historica (published in the third century A.D.) to have been performed for the first time in 415 BC at the 91st Olympiad. Ultimately, he won second place, losing to Xenocles, a now lost Athenian tragedian. The Trojan Women was part three of a group of three tragedies … Continue reading Brief Thoughts on The Trojan Women
The Last Command
The Last Command (1925) Director: Josef von Sternberg Josef von Sternberg's powerful film is notable for its star, Emil Jannings, who won the very first Academy Award for Best Actor - and deservedly so - for his unique performance. Additionally, William Powell was a star in the film (it is unusual to see him in … Continue reading The Last Command
The Big Parade
The Big Parade (1925) Director: King Vidor The Big Parade is the seminal war movie. It set the precedent for all future war films. Unlike its offspring All Quiet on the Western Front, the Big Parade was not an explicitly anti-war film. It tells the story of three young men in America in 1917 on the eve of … Continue reading The Big Parade
Plato’s Republic, Book IV: The Cardinal Virtues
Book IV ends the conversation "pertaining to the gods" between Socrates and Glaucon. It begins with an interruption by Adeimantus, who has thus far been remote from the conversation. His accusation against Socrates is that the men will lead unhappy lives. The communistic life, as described at the end of Book III, does not allow … Continue reading Plato’s Republic, Book IV: The Cardinal Virtues
Plato’s Republic, Book III: The Noble Lie
At the outset of Book III, Socrates declares the topic will be focused on "the gods", or the stories, the education, of the citizens of the city. First, we encounter the education of the guardians of the city. The guardians must be taught to lack fear and must also be taught to avoid excessive laughter. … Continue reading Plato’s Republic, Book III: The Noble Lie
Plato’s Republic Book II (Part II): The City in Speech
In the second half of Book II, Socrates is put on trial, reluctantly defending justice against the false accusations of the Athenian brothers, Glaucon and Adeimantus. He suggests they examine the question of justice in a larger way, not like men who are squinting at small letters from a distance. Socrates proposes that they watch … Continue reading Plato’s Republic Book II (Part II): The City in Speech
Zero For Conduct
Zero For Conduct (1933) Director: Jean Vigo Zero For Conduct is a strange film, appropriately within the catalogue of French cinema. It is a short vignette lasting about 41 minutes. It tells the story of children revolting against their unamusing and midget headmaster of their boarding school during the commencement day celebrations. The film was initially … Continue reading Zero For Conduct
