The hottest Classics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

The life of a common reader

The Common Reader • 1027 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Biography Reading Novels Writers
  1. Remember the importance of nurturing your inner self and being uniquely you instead of blindly imitating others.
  2. Biographies can reveal controversial and intimate details, sparking debates on how much should be shared, yet some believe in telling everything.
  3. Common readers play a vital role in keeping great works alive, shaping a legacy of love for reading that extends across generations.

Before the police arrives: Bookstores on Saturdays

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1125 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Bookstores Reading Memoirs Classics Social Commentary
  1. Allocating a fixed amount for book purchases can help maximize pleasure and choice.
  2. Exploring bookstores on Saturdays armed with book reviews can lead to thoughtful decisions on what to buy.
  3. Exposure to diverse literary works, especially during intellectually stimulating periods, can strongly influence individual interests and perspectives.
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Late bloomers, Iliad, strategic romance, classic physics, Murdoch v Amis, Swift's grammar, opera boy, long sentences, Hayek/Mill/game theory

The Common Reader • 389 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Classics Biography Comedy
  1. Late bloomers can achieve great success, like the 43-year-old tennis champion Rohan Bopanna
  2. Different paths lead to success - Larry David's comedy career took off in his 20s and 30s
  3. The journey to success may involve struggles and challenges before finding one's true calling

Two perspectives on the liberal arts and the humanities

Heterodox STEM • 199 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🚌 Education Humanities Literature Philosophy Classics
  1. Liberal arts education in the US may serve different purposes for elites and non-elites, with disparities in expectations and outcomes.
  2. Humanities education is seen as vital for a well-rounded education and understanding fundamental human questions and experiences.
  3. Reading classic literature may play a role in shaping perspectives and values, potentially reducing susceptibility to certain societal trends like 'wokeness'.

🟧 Book publisher as curator

One Thing • 336 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Publishing Translation Classics
  1. Consider book publisher subscriptions as a way to receive curated reading recommendations and discover new writers.
  2. Independent publishers like Fitzcarraldo Editions, New Directions, and NYRB Classics offer monthly book subscriptions with unique selections and beautifully designed books.
  3. These subscriptions provide access to a diverse array of literature, including obscure classics and contemporary works in different languages, helping readers to explore beyond typical Anglophone literature.

"As If He Were Going to His Death"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Epic poetry Interpretation
  1. The language in Priam's journey in Iliad 24 is filled with themes of burial and death, evoking a sense of a funerary procession and a heroic journey.
  2. Hermes' role in leading Priam to Achilles represents a transition between different realms, symbolizing a journey to the underworld and emphasizing the exceptional nature of the epic's scene.
  3. The movements and interactions in book 24 of the Iliad draw upon traditions of katabasis, the mythological motif of entering the underworld, and reflect on themes of death, burial practices, and honoring the dead, creating a rich interplay between narrative and ritual.

Achilles' Wicked Deeds

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Grief Rituals Sacrifice
  1. Evaluation of epic actions requires understanding ancient cultural context and avoiding anachronism
  2. The sacrifice of the twelve Trojan youths by Achilles in the Iliad highlights extreme grief and excessiveness in the narrative
  3. The depiction of human sacrifice in the Iliad serves to characterize Achilles as an individual separate from traditional, civilized society

Hektor's Body and the Burden

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Trauma
  1. Book 22 of the Iliad focuses on three main parts: suspense building up to the final confrontation between Achilles and Hector, the face-off itself and the mistreatment of Hector's body, and the initial reactions to Hector's death, especially Andromache's lament.
  2. The narrative in Book 22 sheds light on themes of heroism, the interaction between gods and humans, and the dynamics of friends and family relationships.
  3. Hector's behavior in Book 22 illustrates the complex internal struggles faced by individuals in times of crisis, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty and anticipation.

That Mare is Mine!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Traditions
  1. Iliad 23 is dedicated to honoring Patroklos through burial and funeral games, reflecting themes of heroism, politics, and narrative traditions.
  2. Funeral games in Greek narratives serve as settings to explore shared elite culture and establish identities through non-destructive competition.
  3. The funeral games in Iliad 23 provide a ritualized space for re-imagining politics, resolving conflicts, and showcasing Achilles' character growth.

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_.

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.

Why is Mr. Wilson Barking?

The Chatner • 2201 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
😂 Humor Classics
  1. Mr. Wilson may bark for reasons like wanting to go outside in the morning or be lifted onto the bed in the evening.
  2. Mr. Wilson's behaviors can range from being trapped in different places and needing rescue to wanting to encourage or interact with other pets.
  3. Unexpected situations like being in the wrong room or not being on the right couch may also provoke Mr. Wilson's barking.

Dickensian London

Cosmographia • 778 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Historical Fiction Author analysis London
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

Scarcity and the Iliad

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 199 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Greek mythology
  1. Book 12 of the Iliad uses speech exchanges and similes to reflect on politics, heroism, and scarcity, demonstrating the depth and complexity of the narrative.
  2. Similes in the Iliad serve as a bridge between the characters in the poem and the real-world experiences of the audience, showing how the ordinary and the epic intertwine.
  3. The similes in the middle of the Iliad create anticipatory tension and convey the themes of scarcity, precarity, and the transient nature of balance, adding layers of meaning to the epic tale.

Poetry intermission

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Readings Classics
  1. The author shares three audio/video recordings of poems read by actors that they find are perfectly matched to the poems.
  2. The author observes a trend in their preference for male poets in contrast to their interest in reading novels by women, sparking self-reflection.
  3. The author highlights 'The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by W.B. Yeats, and 'At Roane Head' by Robin Robertson as must-listen poems with actor readings.

Always Second Best (Or Worst)

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Characterization Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad focuses on the characterization of Hektor, revealing his shortcomings as a warrior despite his reputation.
  2. The primary Trojan fighters like Hektor, Aeneas, and Sarpedon in the Iliad do not always live up to expectations on the battlefield, showcasing the complexities of warfare and heroism.
  3. Hektor's actions and interactions in book 17 highlight the themes of divine intervention, personal agency, and the inevitability of failure in the epic narrative.

Dead and Gentle Forever

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Interpretation
  1. Briseis' lament in the Iliad provides insight into her character and serves as a foreshadowing of Achilles' fate.
  2. Briseis' evolving relationship with Achilles in the epic raises questions about the nature of their bond, revealing complexities and ambiguities.
  3. Briseis' character is instrumentalized in the Iliad to serve the narrative needs of Achilles, highlighting broader themes of women's agency and treatment in the story.

Zeus and 'Righting' the Divine Constitution

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Politics Classics Reading Epic poetry
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus reestablishing his authority among the gods and reigniting his plan.
  2. The actions and conversations among the gods in Book 15 offer insights into divine politics and how they mirror human political dynamics.
  3. Zeus' leadership style in Book 15 contrasts with human governance, showcasing the implausibility of replicating divine autocracy on earth.

Stop and Hear the Stories!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Classics Literature Mythology
  1. The post discusses podcasts that delve into Homer, heroic patterns, and ancient literature, featuring engaging conversations and interpretations.
  2. There is a mention of various podcast appearances by the author, covering different aspects of Homer's works like the Iliad, Achilles, Paris, and their impact on modern culture.
  3. The author also references video content related to myths and explores the intersection of classic stories with contemporary media like movies.

Merely the Third To Kill Me

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Techniques Character analysis Prophecy Epic poetry
  1. Patroklos' death in the Iliad is a pivotal moment that redirects Achilles' rage towards Hektor and explores themes of hubris and fate.
  2. The use of apostrophe in Homer, like directly addressing characters, creates emotional impact and immersion for the audience.
  3. Hektor's role in Patroklos' death raises questions about heroism, fate, and the ambivalence towards excellence in warfare.

Epic Narratives and their Local Sidekicks

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Narrative structure Ancient Texts
  1. Book 13 of the Iliad showcases lesser-known Homeric heroes like Idomeneus and Meriones, echoing the heroic pairs of other epics, highlighting the importance of these relationships in narrative structures.
  2. The pairing of heroes and their sidekicks allows audiences to see heroes in friendships, possibly providing commentary on characters who lack such relationships, like Hektor, showcasing a social and political deprivation.
  3. The rise of Idomeneus in Book 13 integrates Cretan myths into the Homeric narrative, demonstrating the Homeric strategy of incorporating local traditions and narrative patterns into epic storytelling.

Falling Asleep after Sex and Other Cosmic Problems

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Gender Dynamics Epic poetry Interpretation
  1. The scene of Zeus being seduced by Hera in the Iliad offers insights into divine cosmos, power dynamics, and themes of desire and limitations.
  2. The interaction between Zeus and Hera reflects on themes of succession, desire, and the disruption of divine order in the broader context of the Trojan War narrative.
  3. Comparisons between the Iliadic scene and the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite highlight the serious undertones of desire and its impacts on gods and humans in cosmic narratives.

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 Heroic Tale Curtailed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Performance Mythology
  1. Homeric poetry's characteristic of digressions and narrative explorations provides context and content to a larger world, reflecting how human memory works.
  2. The intricate meanings in Homeric narratives are collaborative developments in a dynamic context between composer and audience, capitalizing on human memory and cognition.
  3. The story of Othryoneus seeking Kassandra's hand in book 13 of the Iliad reflects themes of war, glory, and futility, with details that resonate through familiar storytelling traditions.

Dolon and Achilles; Dolon AS Achilles

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Interpretation
  1. Scholars have differing views on the importance of Iliad 10 in the epic, with some questioning its traditional basis and relevance to the main story.
  2. Book 10 of the Iliad offers important insights into the themes of politics, heroism, and community, showcasing contrasts between different characters like Dolon and Achilles.
  3. The opening lines of the Iliad set the tone for the epic, focusing on the rage of Achilles, which evolves the story into a narrative about his anger and its impact on his own people.

Dante's Medieval Transhumanist Fantasy

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Classics Transhumanism Religion
  1. Dante's vision of heaven in 'Paradise' shares similarities with contemporary transhumanist ideas like digital immortality and superhuman knowledge.
  2. Both Dante's medieval perspective and modern transhumanist ideas emphasize the urgency of living to secure a better future, whether in heaven or in a digital afterlife.
  3. Dante and transhumanist engineers are committed rationalists but diverge in their approach to ideal futures, with bookish utopias focusing on intellectual bliss.

99 Homeric Problems

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Interpretation Transmission
  1. The Homeric epics have been interpreted differently over time, and understanding this is crucial when studying them.
  2. The 'Homeric Question' involves debates about the authorship, oral tradition, and the reception of the epics.
  3. The transmission models, stages for the epic, and reception models offer insights into the complex history of the Homeric texts and how they were perceived over time.

Tyranny and the Plot

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Storytelling Performance Mythology
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus shaping the plot through divine council and speeches, emphasizing the influence of Gods and Humans in the narrative.
  2. Zeus's control of the plot showcases his authority and highlights the consequences of opposing him, reflecting a theme of power dynamics and storytelling.
  3. Scholars propose book divisions in the Iliad align with potential performances, with Zeus's speeches marking key moments and guiding the understanding of the epic's plot.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Scholarship Ancient Greece Poetry
  1. Homer's parentage and birthplace were subjects of debate in antiquity, with various conflicting claims made about his lineage, including being the son of different figures or from different regions.
  2. Homer's name is believed to have origins linked to tense political situations, where he was named after being a hostage or because he provided inspired war advice.
  3. Homeric poems were not necessarily composed as complete works but were performed in parts by rhapsodes, later compiled and ordered by various individuals, including Pisistratus the tyrant of Athens.