The hottest Characters Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

Knights and Hawkes: inside Shakespeare's dream

The Common Reader • 779 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Criticism Shakespeare Characters Interpretation
  1. Shakespeare's characters were not meant to be seen as real people but rather as symbols representing larger themes and ideas in his plays.
  2. The historical context of drama before Shakespeare involved using archetypes to make moral points, which influenced how Shakespeare's characters were perceived by the contemporary audience.
  3. While some critics argued that only what is explicitly stated in the text matters, it is also important to consider the depth and complexity of characters beyond what is directly mentioned.

On Færie-Stories—like Frank Herbert's "Dune"—Derived from Agrarian-Age Roots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Themes Critique Storytelling Characters
  1. Dune by Frank Herbert is a complex and problematic story that delves into themes of tragedy, power, and morality.
  2. The connection between mastery-as-expertise and mastery-as-domination in stories like 'Dune' reflects historical perspectives rooted in Agrarian-Age dynamics of power and exploitation.
  3. While enjoying stories like 'Dune,' it's important to analyze and recognize the problematic aspects of the themes presented, such as the intertwining of expertise and dominance.

How Ruthie Ended the War: Chapter Two

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1002 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Novel Characters
  1. Chapter Two of 'How Ruthie Ended the War' reveals a soldier's story of being caught in a dangerous ice field while on a mission.
  2. The soldier recounts the harrowing experience of the ship battling ice, leading to chaos and fear among the crew.
  3. Ruthie, the central character, listens silently to the soldier's tale, adding an element of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
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Nobel Prize for Gilligan and Simon?

Bastiat's Window • 373 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature TV shows Cinematography Characters Awards
  1. The Swedish Academy could award the Nobel Prize in Literature to TV writers/producers Vince Gilligan and David Simon for their exceptional storytelling.
  2. Television has evolved from a 'vast wasteland' to a medium producing significant literary works, raising questions about the enduring legacy of modern TV series.
  3. Gilligan and Simon's works like 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Wire' have profound impact, deep ethical questions, and memorable characters that rival classic literature.

One Thousand and One Notes on ‘One Thousand and One Nights’

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 559 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
📚 Literature Folktales Characters Themes
  1. The collection of 'One Thousand and One Nights' showcases perseverance in undertaking big projects despite obstacles.
  2. Several stories in the collection highlight the theme of characters making dumb decisions or trusting easily.
  3. Although recursion is expected in the stories, it diminishes in the second half of the book, emphasizing the theme of perseverance instead of nested stories.

Disfiguring the Fallow Earth

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classical Studies Criticism Themes Characters Narrative structure
  1. The final book of the Iliad, Book 24, ties up major tensions, transitions between the living and dead worlds, and revisits themes like reciprocity and mourning, notably in the meeting of Priam and Achilles.
  2. Zeus serves as a figure of justice in Book 24, intervening to settle the dispute between gods over giving Hektor a proper burial; this showcases a different approach to politics and the separation between mortals and gods.
  3. The opening scene of Iliad 24 sets the stage for the return of Hektor's body by emphasizing the importance of divine intervention and the resolution of conflicts, presenting Zeus as a symbol of ethical thinking and justice.

Laying My Burdens Down

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Analysis Characters Themes
  1. Hektor imagines disarming to meet Achilles and make a truce, emphasizing pity and shame as softer moral norms.
  2. Hektor's longing for an equal relationship with Achilles shows a desire for a peaceful resolution, although their fate is driven by duty and rage.
  3. The interactions between Hektor, Achilles, and Patroklos create a complex web of emotional intensity and tragedy in the _Iliad_.

That Other Me

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Grief Characters Audience
  1. Achilles' lament for Patroklos in Iliad 19 explores the impact of Patroklos' death on others, showcasing themes of personal loss and grief.
  2. Achilles expresses a collapse of identities with Patroklos and projects the loss of a single person onto his living father and son, illustrating a narrative of replacement and surrogacy.
  3. Grief is associative and unpredictable, touching not only the mourner but also the internal and external audiences, encouraging reflection on personal losses and the importance of responding to others' suffering.

"Knowledge is the novel’s only morality."

Sucks to Suck • 1533 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Themes Characters Influence
  1. Knowledge is the novel's only morality according to Milan Kundera, suspending moral judgment is the novel's wisdom.
  2. Milan Kundera introduced a skeptical psychological view of humanity, emphasizing introspection over projection.
  3. Kundera's work delves into the importance of memory, the relationship between slowness and memory, and the nature of friendships and secrets.

James Joyce's Ulysses

Classical Wisdom • 1709 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Characters Structure
  1. James Joyce's Ulysses is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey in a modern setting.
  2. The main characters in Ulysses are inspired by major figures from the Odyssey, like Leopold Bloom as an 'everyman' version of Odysseus.
  3. Ulysses follows a unique structure influenced by the Odyssey, with each chapter reflecting elements from the ancient epic.

People Are Going to Tell Our Story

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Themes Characters Narrative Greek mythology Analysis
  1. Book 19 of the Iliad delves into resolving political conflicts, reconciling characters, and preparing for battle.
  2. The exchange of speeches between Achilles and Agamemnon in Iliad 19 reflects concerns about stories and storytelling, showcasing how characters acknowledge their roles in future narratives.
  3. The comparison between Zeus and Agamemnon in a story told by Agamemnon to Achilles emphasizes the complex dynamics of power, authority, and responsibility in their relationship.

The Personal Political

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Characters Narrative structure Political Dynamics
  1. In the Iliad, the assembly of Trojans in book 18 highlights the tension between individual heroism and collective decision-making.
  2. The conflict between Polydamas and Hektor showcases different forms of political authority in ancient Troy.
  3. Hektor's rejection of Polydamas' advice reflects a blend of uncertainty, delusion, and leadership, revealing the complexities of political dynamics in the epic.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Storytelling Books Characters
  1. The readers expect a cohesive story to lead them in a certain direction, answering questions as they arise.
  2. In writing with multiple points of view, the author should feel the book's need for additional voices rather than adding characters for the sake of it.
  3. One approach is to give each character enough backstory to make the current moment make sense, without unnecessary elaboration.

Middlemarch: Finale

Book Post • 275 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Novel Characters Themes Plot Author
  1. A great reading experience can deeply impact our understanding of decisions, love, and work.
  2. Endings in books are crucial and can leave a lasting impression on readers.
  3. Middlemarch explores complex themes like love, marriage, mistakes, and personal growth through its characters' experiences.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fantasy Storytelling Fiction Characters Plot
  1. Berenice's sword is a significant symbol tied to the memory of her child, and she must carry it until her death, representing her burden and the only memory allowed to her.
  2. The story delves into themes of love, grief, and sacrifice, highlighting the depths people are willing to go for those they care about.
  3. Death and its mysteries are pondered upon, emphasizing the unique ways individuals cope with loss and the different beliefs they hold about the afterlife.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Imagination Characters
  1. Preparing for a dangerous journey involves seizing every advantage available, including acquiring knowledge and resources
  2. Exploring unfamiliar territories can reveal unexpected challenges and wonders, urging one to adapt and stay cautious
  3. Encounters with unique individuals can lead to unexpected gifts or insights, even if they challenge one's beliefs or perceptions

The Iliad's Longest Day

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Analysis Narrative Characters Themes
  1. Book 13 of the Iliad focuses on the political aspect, the role of gods and humans, and narrative traditions.
  2. The structure of the story in Book 13 tests the limits of the Achaeans, the narrative, and audience patience.
  3. The narrative in the Iliad, particularly in Book 13, intricately plays with the concept of time, dilating it during war and aligning story time with narrative time.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Novel Writing Art Characters
  1. The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' explores the challenges and nuances of creating art and friendships, particularly in the context of the video game industry.
  2. The book is praised for elevating gaming to the level of art, alongside other creative forms like poetry and music, emphasizing the joy and bonds that come from creating something for others to enjoy.
  3. While the story is engaging and fast-paced, some elements of the plot and character development may fall short of the book's ambitious themes, ending with a less impactful conclusion.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Adventure Fantasy Storytelling Characters
  1. An Astronomer embarks on a dangerous journey to Calrathia with a historic manuscript, facing deadly obstacles and making a life-and-death decision to continue.
  2. The Astronomer encounters a fierce wolf and engages in a brutal struggle, showcasing resilience and determination to survive in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
  3. Hope emerges as the Astronomer discovers fresh footprints in the snow, leading him to a mysterious metal door and a potential chance for salvation.

The ‘warrior and mystic, ogre and saint’ who became Paul Atreides

Becoming Noble • 438 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Classics Themes Influence Characters Culture
  1. Dune was influenced by Shamil's story in 'The Sabres of Paradise', highlighting themes like fate, environment, war, and nobility.
  2. Shamil's leadership in the Caucasus against Russian forces showed a fierce resistance that was fueled by strong cultural and violent orientations.
  3. The Murids' lifestyle in the mountains mirrors the Fremen in Dune, emphasizing combat training from a young age and a culture deeply rooted in violence and warfare.

A Conversation with Andrew Boryga

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 11 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📚 Literature Novelists Characters Influences Voice Writing process
  1. Writing a novel can be a long, evolving process, with Andrew Boryga spending ten years to develop 'Victim,' which started as college short stories and transformed into a multilayered narrative.
  2. Characters in novels don't need to be fundamentally good; Boryga intentionally crafted complex, imperfect characters like Javi in 'Victim' to avoid traditional, simplistic portrayals.
  3. Authenticity in storytelling is crucial; Boryga aimed to portray the Bronx as he knew it, weaving the beauty, pain, and humor of the community into his novel 'Victim.'

Life, Death, and all the Words Between

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Speech Characters Debate Language
  1. Book 9 of the Iliad is crucial for understanding Achilles' character development and epic themes like heroism.
  2. The language of Achilles in the Iliad has been a subject of significant scholarly debate, revealing insights into his character and the nature of Homeric speech.
  3. The plot of Book 9 involves the Achaeans' attempts to persuade Achilles to return to battle, showcasing his complex responses and highlighting themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions.

Darth Vader answers the Proust Questionnaire

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
😂 Humor Fiction Characters
  1. Characters from fiction, like Darth Vader, answer the Proust Questionnaire in a creative and entertaining way.
  2. ChatGPT can impersonate different characters from fiction answering the Proust Questionnaire, offering a unique twist.
  3. Exploring fictional characters' perspectives through fun and imaginative responses brings a new angle to storytelling.

The Relentlessness of R.A. Salvatore, the Anti-George R.R. Martin

Litverse • 359 implied HN points • 08 Nov 22
📚 Literature Fantasy Authors Themes Characters Writing Style
  1. Different fantasy subgenres, like dark fantasy and high fantasy, offer contrasting themes and storytelling styles.
  2. R.A. Salvatore, known for high fantasy, values entertainment and accessibility in his work, showcasing the importance of catering to readers' enjoyment.
  3. Salvatore's focus on heroes winning and delivering joy through storytelling brings a refreshing perspective in a literary world often focused on darkness and complexity.