Skip to main content
Alexander Schmid Podcast

Alexander Schmid Podcast

By Alexander Schmid

We are always surrounded by stories: movies, TV shows, plays, games, video games, books and even advertisements. So, why do humans tell stories, and what function do stories serve? Our goal is to unravel the fundamental structure of narratives old and new and to untangle what their connection to human consciousness is.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Oedipus the King Lines 701-1050

Alexander Schmid PodcastApr 03, 2019

00:00
23:08
Lecture 6: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Antigone (Lines 1-1352)

Lecture 6: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Antigone (Lines 1-1352)

In this lecture, we cover the major plot-points of Sophocles' "Antigone." We consider (a) its chronology in relation to the other two plays from "The Theban Trilogy" which was never meant to be a trilogy; (b) considered Antigone's argument for burying her brother, Polyneices, against the edict of her uncle and the new King of Thebes, Creon; and (c) we considered the position of Creon as a new ruler with a potentially tenuous hold on power.

Mar 11, 202030:02
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 40: Dante's Paradiso Review Lecture: Cantos 1-33

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 40: Dante's Paradiso Review Lecture: Cantos 1-33

In this review lecture, we review (a) major characters, (b) quotes, and (c) themes from each sphere of the final canticle of Dante's "The Divine Comedy."
Mar 11, 202039:41
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 39: Paradiso's Empyrean: Cantos 30-33

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 39: Paradiso's Empyrean: Cantos 30-33

In this lecture, we observe (a) Dante drink from a river of light and witness the majesty of heaven; (b) Beatrice's disappearance and replacement by Dante's final guide, St. Bernard, and then we conclude by seeing (c) Dante's beatific vision of Mary and the Holy Trinity.

Mar 05, 202033:35
Lecture 5: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 983-1531)

Lecture 5: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 983-1531)

In this lecture, we consider (a) Oedipus' final revelation that he has lived out his fate; (b) witness Oedipus blind himself and what that means; and (c) we conclude by observing Oedipus' final abdication and touching moment with his daughters.

Mar 05, 202025:06
Lecture 4: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 462-982)

Lecture 4: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 462-982)

In this lecture, we consider (a) both Freudian theory and Motivation Theory in order to understand Oedipus' cognitive dissonance; we observe: (a) Creon address Oedipus' accusations of treachery and Jocasta's attempt to exonerate both men; and (c) we conclude by considering Jocasta' famous words which serve as the source of Freud's "Oedipal Complex." 

Mar 04, 202036:25
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 38: Paradiso's The Primum Mobile and Entry to Empyrean: Cantos 27-30

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 38: Paradiso's The Primum Mobile and Entry to Empyrean: Cantos 27-30

In this lecture we consider (a) the nature of space and time and how "the roots" of all the universe are contained in the Primum Mobile; (b) we think over several cosmological/theological questions: the relative speed of each sphere of heaven, the intelligence and memory of angels, and number of angels; and then (c) we ascend to the Empyrean and see a river of light.

Mar 03, 202038:34
Lecture 3: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King

Lecture 3: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King

In this lecture we ask: (a) does Oedipus truly care for his people or is he full of overweening hubris? (b) Using psychoanalysis as a standard, is this a play about being both willing and unwilling to consider a truth/a conflict between one's conscious and unconscious motives; and (c) is Teiresias telling the truth or is he actually colluding with Creon? Is this just a confabulation of Oedipus' to keep him from an even more disturbing truth?

Mar 03, 202037:23
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 37: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars Pt. 2: Cantos 22-27

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 37: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars Pt. 2: Cantos 22-27

In this lecture, we (a) observe Dante's statement of faith and selections from "The Epistle of St. James" and "The Gospel of John"; (b) we see St. James' position on the debate of faith vs. acts, and then Dante's questioning of Adam, the first man, and then we conclude with (c) an angered St. Peter lambasting the (1) corruption/simony in the church and (2) its support of factionalism.

Feb 26, 202034:17
Lecture 2: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King

Lecture 2: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King

In this lecture, we consider (a) Sophocles' political contributions alongside his poetic ones; (b) Sophocles' three "periods" of writing and "Theban Tragedy"; and (c) we concluded by introducing Sophocles' "Oedipus the King".

Feb 26, 202028:19
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 36: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars: Cantos 22-27

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 36: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars: Cantos 22-27

In this lecture we consider (a) Sphere 8: the Fixed Stars/Constellations and the "Church Triumphant" within them; (b) we specifically consider the example of St. Peter, and (c) we witness Dante begin his examination on the theological virtue of faith.

Feb 25, 202038:23
Epilogue to Homer’s Odyssey and Introduction (Lecture 1) to Sophocles and Athenian Tragedy

Epilogue to Homer’s Odyssey and Introduction (Lecture 1) to Sophocles and Athenian Tragedy

In this lecture, we consider (a) Eugammon of Cyrene's "Telegonus", and then we (b) introduce Athenian drama and tragedy from the 5th century BCE and (c) Sophocles and his place within it.

Feb 25, 202042:05
Lecture 17: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 23-24

Lecture 17: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 23-24

In this lecture, we (a) review the journey of Odysseus and how far he has come; (b) we witness the final testing of Odysseus by Penelope and of Laertes by Odysseus; and (c) we observe the final battle between the suitors' families and Odysseus' family and the peace that the gods call for and that the humans implement.

Feb 20, 202034:31
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 35: Paradiso's The Sphere of Saturn: Cantos 21-22

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 35: Paradiso's The Sphere of Saturn: Cantos 21-22

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the inability for a human mind to comprehend the intricacies of free will and predestination; (b) we consider the contemplative nature of Saturn, and we conclude by (c) considering how and why institutions and people "start well" but "end poorly" in the world.

Feb 18, 202038:00
Lecture 16: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 22-23

Lecture 16: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 22-23

In this lecture, we discuss: (a) the fight between Odysseus' small retinue and the suitors, (b) the perfidy of Melanthios and maturity of Telemachos, and (c) we witness the judgment and punishment of the disloyal maids and Melanthios, and (d) conclude with Odysseus and Penelope sitting across from one another once more.

Feb 18, 202033:28
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 34: Paradiso's The Spheres of Jupiter and Saturn: Cantos 18-21

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 34: Paradiso's The Spheres of Jupiter and Saturn: Cantos 18-21

In this lecture, we discuss (a) what makes a good ruler or judge; (b) how can one make it to heaven who has never heard of Christianity, and how humans can('t) know the "root" of predestination, and (c) we conclude with a consideration of exemplary rulers from differing lands and religions and what the implications of their inclusion are for Dante' Paradise.

Feb 11, 202040:34
Lecture 15: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 19-21

Lecture 15: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 19-21

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the story of Odysseus' scar and name, (b) the dream of Penelope and the Gates of Horn and Ivory, and (c) we witness the famous contest of Odysseus' bow!

Feb 11, 202035:05
Lecture 14: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 18-19

Lecture 14: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 18-19

In this lecture, we consider (a) the aftermath of the fight between Iros and Odysseus, (b) the conversation between Penelope and Odysseus, and set up (c) the story of Odysseus' scar and how he received his name.

Feb 04, 202039:20
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 33: Paradiso's The Spheres of Mars Pt. 2 and Jupiter Pt. 1: Cantos 18-20

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 33: Paradiso's The Spheres of Mars Pt. 2 and Jupiter Pt. 1: Cantos 18-20

In this lecture we consider (a) Dante's exile and how he will mentally prepare for it (and be rewarded by it); (b) famous crusaders, and (c) we enter Dante's Sphere of Jupiter and see the beginnings of his theory of semiotics or the transition and translation of symbols over time.

Feb 04, 202037:17
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 32: Paradiso's The Sphere of Mars: Cantos 14-18

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 32: Paradiso's The Sphere of Mars: Cantos 14-18

In this lecture we consider, (a) how the cross can be a symbol of the unification of divine and human nature, what the meaning of Mars' red color is, and how suffering and charity are linked to the purpose of human existence; (b) we made connections between Cacciaguida and Anchises from Virgil's Aeneid and Dante and Aeneas; and (c) we considered whether Dante's exile, though it seems bad, could actually be good because it gives him a new perspective on the problems and factionalism (of which he was a part) in Florence.

Jan 28, 202029:50
Lecture 13: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 17-18

Lecture 13: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 17-18

In this lecture, we (a) revisit the many sufferings and humiliations of Odysseus both on Ithaka and from his travels before; (b) witness the beginning stages of the famous tete-a-tete between Odysseus in disguise and Penelope; and (c) witness more poor behavior and trampling on the xenia by the suitors and a new beggar named Arnaios, but known as Iros.

Jan 28, 202032:00
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 31: Paradiso's Sphere of the Sun: Cantos 10-14

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 31: Paradiso's Sphere of the Sun: Cantos 10-14

In this lecture, we consider (a) the themes, shape, speakers, of Dante's fourth sphere of heaven, The Sun; (b) we consider the shared perspectives of St. Thomas Aquinas on St. Francis of Assisi (10, 11, 13), and the perspective of St. Bonaventure on St. Dominic; (c) we conclude by considering in which way King Solomon, the fifth light on Aquinas' circle, could be perfect like Adam and Christ.

Jan 22, 202040:34
Lecture 12: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 16-17

Lecture 12: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 16-17

In this lecture, we observe: (a) the reunion of Telemachos and Odysseus and their plot to destroy the suitors; (b) we meet Melanthios, the ungracious goatherd, and observe how some in Ithaka have turned from Odysseus and from what is right; (c) and we conclude with an examination of Argos, the old hunting dog of Odysseus, as a symbol for what Ithaka has become in Odysseus' absence.

Jan 22, 202033:04
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 30: Paradiso's Spheres of Mercury and Venus: Cantos 7-9

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 30: Paradiso's Spheres of Mercury and Venus: Cantos 7-9

In this lecture we consider, (a) Dante's argument for why god became man; and then we move into (b) Venus, and meet Charles Martel, Cunizza da Romano, Folco de Marseilles, and Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho; (c) we conclude with a brief consideration of the relationship between the stars, one's providential destiny, and one's choices on earth. 

Jan 15, 202036:21
Lecture 11: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 14-16 (2019-2020)

Lecture 11: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 14-16 (2019-2020)

In this lecture, we (a) begin the third and final part of Homer's "Odyssey" (Part 1: Bks 1-4; Part 2: Bks 5-13; Part 3: Bks 14-24) (b) observe the hospitality of Eumaios and parallels between him and Odysseus, (c) and see Telemachos meet Eumaios in front of his long-lost, and disguised, father, Odysseus.

Jan 15, 202037:08
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 29: Paradiso's Sphere of Mercury: Cantos 5-7

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 29: Paradiso's Sphere of Mercury: Cantos 5-7

In this lecture, we consider (a) the second sphere of Paradise: Mercury and make several connections between the number six (6th century emperor, 6th cantos in each canticle, 6th book of Virgil's "Aeneid"); (b) we observe the speech of Justinian and the mythological and factual history of Rome from Aeneas to the Caesars to Charlemagne and downward to contemporary Guelphs and Ghibellines; and (c) we conclude by having an emperor consider the humble individual: Romeo de Villenueve.

Jan 07, 202029:37
Lecture 10: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey Bks 12 and 13

Lecture 10: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey Bks 12 and 13

In this lecture we observe: (a) Odysseus' encounter with the Sirens, Skylla and Charybdis, and the Cattle of the Sun on Thrinakia; (b) Poseidon turning the Phaiakian ship to stone (and Odysseus being deposited in Ithaka); (c) and Odysseus being reunited with Athene (conspicuously at home), and plotting the destruction of the suitors.

Jan 07, 202035:34
Dante's Purgatorio: Cantos 1-27 Reviewed

Dante's Purgatorio: Cantos 1-27 Reviewed

In this review session on Dante's "Purgatorio," cantos 1-28 are reviewed: from Dante's entrance to Purgatory to his third and final dream before his ascent into Terrestrial Paradise. If a review on Terrestrial Paradise is desired, revisit Lecture 27 (Purgatorio Lecture 10) from this year.


Students, please note that the audio covers slides 1-89; the final slides (90-120) are covered by Lecture 27 from this year.

Dec 16, 201942:01
Homer's Iliad: The Entire Story Reviewed (Bks 1-24)

Homer's Iliad: The Entire Story Reviewed (Bks 1-24)

In this lecture, the entire narrative of Homer's "Iliad" is rapidly reviewed. The review includes major events, characters, and themes.

Dec 16, 201939:29
Lecture 9: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 11 Pt. 2

Lecture 9: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 11 Pt. 2

In this lecture, we conclude our trip into Homer's underworld: (a) we meet Agamemnon, Achilleus, and Aias the Greater again, (b) see the arch-sinners Tityos, Tantalos, and Sisyphos, and (c) learn about the strange condition of Herakles, both shade and god.

Dec 12, 201928:43
 Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 28: Introductory Lecture on Dante’s Paradiso: Cantos 1-5, The Sphere of the Moon (Lecture 1)

Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 28: Introductory Lecture on Dante’s Paradiso: Cantos 1-5, The Sphere of the Moon (Lecture 1)

In this lecture, we introduce Dante’s “Paradiso”. Specifically, we consider (a) Ptolemy’s geocentric model of the universe and its relation to Paradise; (b) we consider Ovidian elements in Dante’s “Paradiso” as well as whether (1) Dante is fully in Paradise, (2) his mind is in Paradise, or (3) Paradise is within him, and (c) we meet Piccarda Donati and Empress Constance in The Sphere of the Moon and consider six profound questions.

Dec 10, 201941:41
Lecture 8: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 10 and 11 Pt. 1

Lecture 8: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 10 and 11 Pt. 1

In this lecture, we meet (a) Aiolos, the Laistrygones, and the sea-witch Circe; (b) we see Circe’s transformative magic, and conclude by (c) entering the underworld and meeting the Theban prophet Teiresias.

Dec 10, 201928:11
Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 27: Lecture 10: Entrance to Earthly Paradise, The Procession of Revelation in Paradise, the Introduction of Beatrice and Departure of Virgil

Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 27: Lecture 10: Entrance to Earthly Paradise, The Procession of Revelation in Paradise, the Introduction of Beatrice and Departure of Virgil

In this final lecture on Dante's "Purgatorio", we discuss (a) the idyllic and pastoral nature of Eden, its place outside of time, and its connection to Parnassus and the Golden Age of ancient poets; (b) we examine the symbolism underlying the procession of elders, dancing women, griffin, chariot, and trailing men of a divine parade; and (c) we witness an eagle, fox, dragon, seven-headed monster, prostitute, giant, and examine what each of these symbols means as well as saying farewell to Virgil and meeting Beatrice once again.

Dec 05, 201938:26
Lecture 7: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 9 Pt. 2

Lecture 7: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 9 Pt. 2

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the differences between the Cyclopes and Phaiakians, though they descend from the same place (Hypereia) and god (Poeseidon); (b) we witness the inhospitality of Polyphemos and his great hubris; and (c) we see the cunning planning of Nobody (Odysseus), but also a rare moment of recklessness from him and its costly consequences.

Dec 05, 201930:12
Lecture 6: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey: Bks 8-9 Pt. 1

Lecture 6: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey: Bks 8-9 Pt. 1

In this lecture, we observe: (a) the Phaiakians entertaining Odysseus with songs, athletics, and dance; (b) the three songs of Demodokos, including the famous story of Ares and Aphrodite's infidelity; and (c) we witness the beginning of Odysseus' story of his wanderings (The Kikones and Lotus Eaters).

Dec 03, 201939:13
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 26: Purgatorio Lecture 9: Terraces 6 and 7, The Dream of Leah and Rachel, and Virgil's Final Words

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 26: Purgatorio Lecture 9: Terraces 6 and 7, The Dream of Leah and Rachel, and Virgil's Final Words

In this lecture, we focus on: (a) examples of gluttony and temperance on Terrace 6 and meet Forese Donati and Bonagiunta da Lucca there; (b) examples of chastity and lust on Terrace 7 and meet Guido Guinizzelli and Arnaut Daniel; (c) we then see Dante's final dream (3/3) of Leah and Rachel in a pastoral scene and conclude by witnessing (d) Virgil's final words to Dante (Dante's graduation to freedom).

Nov 19, 201941:04
Lecture 5: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Bks 5-7

Lecture 5: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Bks 5-7

In this lecture, we (a) finally meet Odysseus, observe his first negotiations, and see him depart from Kalypso's island; (b) we then see Odysseus brave a storm, meet a helpful sea-nymph, and then find land after twenty grueling days on the sea; (c) Odysseus then meets Nausikaa and makes his way to the house of Alkinoos and Arete in search of safe conveyance home!

Nov 19, 201942:04
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 25: Purgatorio Lecture 8: Statius’ Debt to Virgil, his Prodigality, and Examples of Generosity

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 25: Purgatorio Lecture 8: Statius’ Debt to Virgil, his Prodigality, and Examples of Generosity

In this lecture, we discuss (a) Virgil's professional and religious debt to Virgil, (b) Virgil's "Eclogue IV" and how it could be construed as a work of "Christian Prophecy"; and (c) we conclude with some Christmas Holiday themed examples of generosity and poverty: (1) the birth of Jesus (to Mary) in a manger on Christmas Day and (2) the Saint on whom "Old Saint Nick" is based: St. Nicholas of Bari.

Nov 14, 201927:43
Lecture 4: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey and Bks 3-4

Lecture 4: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey and Bks 3-4

In this lecture we discuss Homer's "Odyssey" Books 3 and 4. First (a) Telemachos visits Pylos and learn of the fates of several Achaians, including poor Agamemnon, but receives no word on Odysseus; (b) Telemachos and Peisistratos then visit Sparta, and observe (1) Menelaos and Helen's tense interactions, (2) hear Menelaos' epic story of catching a god, Proteus, and (3) finally news that Odysseus is still alive, though captive and far from home! (c) The lecture concludes with a look back to Ithaka and the machinations of the suitors and sorrow of Penelope.

Nov 14, 201937:48
Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 24: Purgatorio Lecture 7: Examples of Sloth, The Dream of the Siren, 5th Cornice: Avarice, Meet Statius (Cantos 18-22)

Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 24: Purgatorio Lecture 7: Examples of Sloth, The Dream of the Siren, 5th Cornice: Avarice, Meet Statius (Cantos 18-22)

In this lecture, we (a) considered examples of zeal, the slothful penitents, and examples of sloth; (b) we examined the second dream in Purgatory, the dream of the Siren, and its (1) allegorical significance and (2) prefiguration of the final three terraces of Purgatory; (c) we conclude by meeting Statius, the Roman epic-poet who converted to Christianity (according to Dante), caused the "mountain-quake", and is our new guide alongside Virgil.


**Note: I erroneously call Pope Nicholas III from Inferno 19 Pope Innocent.

Nov 13, 201937:04
Lecture 3: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Books 1 and 2

Lecture 3: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Books 1 and 2

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the difference between "nostos" and "kleos" epics; (b) we frame the difficulty of the situation at Ithaka with (1) Odysseus, the king, gone, (2) the presence of the suitors, and (3) the limbo of both Telemachos and Penelope; (c) we conclude by examining the structure of the first four books, the Telemachy, and meeting Telemachos for the first time.

Nov 13, 201944:15
Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 23: Purgatorio Lecture 6: Day 3: (15-18): Anger, Free-will, Love, and Sloth

Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 23: Purgatorio Lecture 6: Day 3: (15-18): Anger, Free-will, Love, and Sloth

In this lecture we (a) conclude the analysis by Marco Lombardo of the relationship between the influence of the stars and free will; (b) we observe examples of the expiating virtue of "gentleness/meekness" and the vice of wrath; (c) we then spend the middle cantos of "Purgatorio" (and the entire Divine Comedy 16-17; 50-51) considering free will and its relationship to natural and rational love (one must liberate one's will in order to love appropriately, not enslaved by error or sin);

Note: Technically, the true center of Dante's "Purgatorio"/"The Divine Comedy" is Canto 16 where Dante's consideration of free-will is. Canto 17, thus, shows the appropriate use of the free will: rationally loving what is appropriate (the correct object) with appropriate vigor (neither too much: avarice, gluttony, lust), nor too little (sloth).

Nov 07, 201933:10
Lecture 2: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey Pt. 2

Lecture 2: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey Pt. 2

In this lecture, we (a) consider "The Returns" and which Achaians encounter difficulties on the way home and at home; (b) we consider the situation Odysseus finds himself in at the beginning of "The Odyssey"; and (c) we examine the proem (first ten lines) of the poem before embarking upon the narrative itself!

Nov 07, 201934:28
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 22: Purgatorio Cantos 13-17 (The cornices of Envy and then Anger) (Purgatory Lecture 5)

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 22: Purgatorio Cantos 13-17 (The cornices of Envy and then Anger) (Purgatory Lecture 5)

In this lecture, we (a) review the structure of Purgatory proper: (1) exemplary art, (2) penitent sinners, (3) vicious art; (b) we observed examples of love/charity as expiating virtue to envy and considered the nature of envy through (1) historical personages and (2) examples of envy in art (from the Old Testament (Cain and Abel) and Greco-Roman tradition (Aglauros and Herse); (c) we conclude by ascending to the acrid smoke and darkness of Cornice 3: Wrath, and there we meet Marco Lombardo and determine the relationship between free-will and astrology.

Nov 06, 201936:17
Lecture 1: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey

Lecture 1: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey

In this lecture, we discuss the events which take place between Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". Specifically, we consider (a) the events of the lost epic "Aethiopis", and we see the fall of Penthesilea, Memnon, Antilochos, and Achilleus; next (b) we observe the cunning of Odysseus in the "contest of the arms of Achilleus" and his part in the making of the Trojan horse; (c) we conclude the day by witnessing "The Sack of Ilium" and the deaths and abductions of many Trojans we came to know during Homer's "Iliad". 

Nov 06, 201939:03
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 21: Purgatorio Cantos 10-14 (1st Cornice of Pride, and 2nd Cornice of Envy (Purgatory Lecture 4))

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 21: Purgatorio Cantos 10-14 (1st Cornice of Pride, and 2nd Cornice of Envy (Purgatory Lecture 4))

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the difference between vices and sins, (b) the structure of the terraces of Purgatory proper: (1) exemplary virtue in art, (2) sinner in process of expiation, (3) exemplary vice in art; and (c) we observed the art and sinners themselves in the Terrace of the Proud and a representative sinner of the Terrace of Envy.

Oct 31, 201939:07
Homer's Iliad 2019: Lecture 24: Book 24

Homer's Iliad 2019: Lecture 24: Book 24

In this lecture, we (a) revisit the dying speech of Hektor, (b) observe connections between Priam's journey to Achilleus' camp and a journey to the underworld (Hades), and (c) witness Achilleus regain his compassion and humanity while we (and Andromache, Hekabe, and Helen) sorrow over Hektor's death.

Oct 31, 201932:01
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 20: Purgatorio Cantos 5-9 (Purgatory Lecture 3)

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 20: Purgatorio Cantos 5-9 (Purgatory Lecture 3)

In this lecture, we discuss: (a) the late-repentant: unabsolved/violent death with Buonconte da Montefeltro and Pia Tolomei; (b) the late-repentant: negligent with Sordello; and (c) we consider the drama of the angels and serpent, the gate of Purgatory, and various ways Dante portrays the purgatorial act by means of allegory.

Oct 29, 201940:19
Homer’s Iliad 2019: Lecture 23: Books 21-22

Homer’s Iliad 2019: Lecture 23: Books 21-22

In this lecture, we discuss: (a) the rage of Achilleus: his capture of twelve Trojan youths, and his savage killing of Polydoros (Bk 20), Lykaon (Bk 21), and Asteropaios; (b) Achilleus' feud with the river-god Xanthos and the Theomachy (Bk 21); (c) and the battle between Achilleus and Hektor (Bk 22).

Oct 29, 201938:30
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 19: Purgatorio Cantos 1-4 (Purgatory Lecture 2)

Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 19: Purgatorio Cantos 1-4 (Purgatory Lecture 2)

In this lecture we discuss (a) the major themes of Purgatory, especially rebirth (renaissance, renovatio); (b) the angel, Cato, Casella, and putting the past (one's body, loves, and memories) behind one's self; and (c) Manfred and the excommunicated and Belacqua and the Late-Repentant due to apathy.

Correction*: Belacqua is among the Late-Repentant: Apathetic (not Negligent as I erroneously said); the three types of Late-Repentant sinners are: (1) Apathetic (C4), (2) Unabsolved due to violent death (C5-C6), (3) Negligent (C6-C8).

Oct 23, 201935:45
Homer’s Iliad 2019: Lecture 22: Books 17-19

Homer’s Iliad 2019: Lecture 22: Books 17-19

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the battle over Patroklos' body and Achilleus' armor, (b) the making and design of Achilleus' new armor and shield by Hephaistos (and Homer's use of ekphrasis); and (c) we witness the reconciliation between Achilleus and Agamemnon.

Oct 23, 201934:14