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 Polyphe...
5 Dec 201930min
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;...
3 Dec 201939min
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 G...
19 Nov 201941min
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...
19 Nov 201942min
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 ...
14 Nov 201927min
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...
14 Nov 201937min
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 signi...
13 Nov 201937min
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 sui...
13 Nov 201944min
