The hottest Classical Literature Substack posts right now

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Did Shakespeare crib from Dante?

The Common Reader • 1204 implied HN points • 24 May 25
📚 Literature Literary Analysis Classical Literature Author studies Cultural Context
  1. Recent research suggests that Shakespeare may have borrowed ideas from Dante's work, particularly his _Divine Comedy_.
  2. The highlighted sections in a book show similarities between Dante's and Shakespeare's texts, hinting at Shakespeare's influences.
  3. This discovery highlights the importance of universities and true literary scholarship in uncovering connections in literature.

"Why Does the Iliad Begin with Rage?"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology Classical Literature
  1. Homeric Scholia provide valuable insights into ancient texts and intellectual history, including details on vocabulary, variant forms, and interpretive issues
  2. Modern scholars heavily rely on the Homeric Scholia, but caution is needed in weighing the information presented within them
  3. The first word of the Iliad, 'menis' or 'rage,' holds thematic significance in Greek epic and myth, sparking debates on its purpose and role in the narrative

Thersites' Body

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classical Literature Philosophy
  1. The description and treatment of Thersites in the Iliad links his physical appearance with his behavior and the hate he receives, establishing a meaningful relationship between his body and his actions.
  2. Thersites serves as an inferior character in ancient literature to define the heroic center as non-transgressive, highlighting the contrast between his body and those of heroes like Achilles and Odysseus.
  3. There are various traditions surrounding Thersites, including etymologies of his name, reports of his disability due to cowardice punishment, and stories of his death at the hands of Achilles and Odysseus, showing the diverse interpretations of his character.

How to Read All of Plutarch's Lives

ancientlifecoach • 2 HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Classical Literature
  1. Plutarch's Lives is a comprehensive way to learn about ancient Greek and Roman history, culture, and famous personalities.
  2. Reading Plutarch's Lives in pairs or by chronological groups can help in understanding and comparing the great figures of Greece and Rome.
  3. Different editions of Plutarch's Lives are available, and reading strategies like chunking or following pairs can enhance the reading experience.
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