Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) Director: Rouben Mamoulian This was the first and most famous adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. MGM remade the movie ten year later with Spencer Tracy as the lead, however the film was unsuccessful and March ironically sent a telegram … Continue reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Oedipus and Greek Tragedy
Often in ancient Greek tragedy we find protagonists committing the sin of hubris, extreme pride or arrogance. Recall in Aeschylus's Agamemnon that Agamemnon returns home with a stolen concubine from Ilium, and also he fails to foresee the extent to which Clytemnestra holds a grudge against his decision to sacrifice Iphigenia. In another case, consider the … Continue reading Oedipus and Greek Tragedy
Darius and the New Persian Regime
In Book III of Herodotus's Inquiries, we encounter a problem among the Persians. The untimely death of the insane king Cambyses has led to a power vacuum filled by the corrupt Magi. When the Persians finally instill a revolt against the Magi, a conspiracy of seven men decides to storm the palace and regain power. However, … Continue reading Darius and the New Persian Regime
The Empires of Croesus and Cyrus
The notion of imperial conquest, or the need to build a city that is enduring, is central to the inquiries of Herodotus. What is lasting human greatness? How can we inquire into our shared human past while preserving this question? What is the just city? Is the just city also an enduring city? All of these questions … Continue reading The Empires of Croesus and Cyrus
Helpmates
Helpmates Director: James Parrot (1932) Helpmates is an amusing early Laurel and Hardy film lasting just over 21 minutes. It was released by MGM and tells the story of Ollie, a chubby married man, who throws a large house party while his wife is away on vacation. He receives a telegram from his wife stating … Continue reading Helpmates
I Samuel Chapters 8-14: Israel’s Demand for a King
In the first book of Samuel, we find the Israelites in demand of a new form of governance. Recall the chaos and waywardness of the Israelite people in the book of Judges, as well as the failed rulership of the judges. Now, prophets like Samuel are no longer sufficient, and instead, the Israelites demand a single … Continue reading I Samuel Chapters 8-14: Israel’s Demand for a King
