The Symbolic World 443 - Kale Zelden - There’s Still Time to Read the Great Books
Kale Zelden, a literature teacher and writer who revives the Great Books for modern classrooms. He discusses how to encounter Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare on their own terms. Conversations touch on rebuilding a practical canon, balancing ancient epics with modern novels, and how reading traditions shape communal meaning.
01:04:35
Twenty Years In A Low Tech Classroom
- Kale Zelden recounts 20 years teaching mostly in high school using a low-tech classroom: book, pencil, chalk.
- He describes 'spelunking' into Augustine, Plato, Aristotle and Church Fathers after a college awakening to tradition.
Teach Texts On Their Own Terms
- Do clear away modern baggage and prioritize understanding an older text on its own terms before judging it.
- Kale Zelden tells students he doesn’t care about their feelings and instead focuses them on what Dante actually means in context.
Deep Dive Into Tradition To Counter Doomscrolling
- Do a deep dive into tradition to develop 'sane' judgment and personal depth rather than surface browsing.
- Zelden argues reading classics awakens latent depths and counters doomscrolling's depressive effects.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Kale's teaching background and mission
01:32 • 5min
Rediscovering the literary tradition
06:21 • 1min
How Kale engages modern students
07:33 • 6min
Balancing ancient and modern reading
13:03 • 1min
A practical canon: levels and 'deep cuts'
14:33 • 3min
Selecting single-entry works like Dostoevsky
17:20 • 3min
Ad break
20:11 • 55sec
Is the novel reaching its limits?
21:06 • 2min
The novel as technology and inward turn
23:00 • 4min
Faulkner, myth, and accessibility
27:25 • 4min
Liturgy, epic, and the power of refrain
31:02 • 3min
Integrating modern psychology into tale
33:35 • 55sec
Stories vs. character fixation
34:30 • 6min
Allegory, applicability, and Tolkien
40:42 • 2min
Tradition's living quality and renaissances
42:48 • 60sec
Modernism, postmodernism, and medieval continuities
43:47 • 10min
Preparing a post-ironic future through epic
53:24 • 6min
Teaching: remove cynical distance
59:37 • 4min
Outro
01:03:10 • 1min
#87676
Voyage of St. Brendan
Medieval Christian voyage
Anonymous / attributed to St. Brendan traditions
The Voyage of St. Brendan is an early medieval tale recounting Brendan the Navigator's miraculous sea voyage in search of the Isle of the Blessed, blending Christian allegory and fantastical islands.
It circulated widely in medieval Europe and influenced exploration narratives.
The text mixes spiritual pilgrimage motifs with maritime adventure, reflecting monastic imagination and hagiographic purpose.
Its blending of wonder and devotion made it a popular medieval story with theological undertones.
The Voyage remains of interest for studies in medieval literature and religious imagination.
#298
• Mentioned in 93 episodes
The Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy is an Italian narrative poem begun around 1308 and completed around 1321.
It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.
The poem discusses the state of the soul after death and presents an image of divine justice, describing Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
It is an allegory representing the soul's journey towards God, drawing on medieval Catholic theology and philosophy, especially Thomistic philosophy.
The work is considered one of the greatest in Italian literature and Western literature, and it helped establish the Tuscan language as the standardized Italian language.
#2258
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
Metamorphoses
Frank Justus Miller
Robert Squillace
Ovid
#2692
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Brothers Kramazov
Fyodor Dostoevsky
'The Brothers Karamazov' is a complex novel that explores themes of faith, doubt, morality, and free will through the lives of the Karamazov family.
The story centers around the murder of Fyodor Karamazov and the subsequent investigation, with each of his sons—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—representing different facets of human nature.
Dmitri is driven by passion and sensual desires, Ivan embodies intellectual skepticism, and Alyosha represents spiritual purity and faith.
The novel delves into philosophical debates about the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering.
Through its intricate plot and profound character studies, 'The Brothers Karamazov' examines the depths of the human soul and the complexities of moral choice.
#500
• Mentioned in 65 episodes
Macbeth
Imdad Hussain
William Shakespeare
Macbeth is a tragedy that explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of sin.
The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Lady Macbeth as they navigate a complex web of prophecy, murder, and political intrigue.
The witches' prophecy sets off a chain of events that leads to the downfall of Macbeth and the restoration of order in Scotland.
The play is known for its dark and haunting atmosphere, its exploration of the human psyche, and its commentary on the nature of tragedy and the human condition.
#5615
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
Into the Woods
John York
#132
• Mentioned in 155 episodes
Crime and Punishment
Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro
Constance Black Garnett
FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY
Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia.
It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society.
Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions.
The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.
#230
• Mentioned in 108 episodes
The abolition of man
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S.
Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943.
Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'.
He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason.
The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.
#41
• Mentioned in 283 episodes
Moby Dick
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg.
Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs.
nature, and the existential questions of good and evil.
The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.
#348
• Mentioned in 84 episodes
Dom Quixote
Xavier, Alberto
Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged gentleman who, influenced by his extensive reading of chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant.
He renames himself Don Quixote and, with his squire Sancho Panza, embarks on a series of adventures.
These adventures often involve Don Quixote's misinterpretation of reality, such as mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles.
The novel explores themes of reality vs.
imagination, the decline of chivalry, and the human condition.
Eventually, Don Quixote returns home, regains his sanity, and renounces his chivalric ambitions before his death.
#13
• Mentioned in 462 episodes
The Bible
Various Authors
The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism.
It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages.
The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread.
The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.
#5780
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
The golden legend
Arthur Sullivan
#2649
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Midsummer Night's Dream
William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a five-act comedy by William Shakespeare, written around 1595-96.
The play intertwines the stories of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors in a forest inhabited by fairies, where love and magic lead to confusion and eventual reconciliation.
The play explores themes of love, identity, and the transformative power of imagination.
#28895
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
On Stories
C.S. Lewis
C. S.
Lewis's 'On Stories' is a collection of essays exploring the nature of storytelling and its significance in human life.
Lewis delves into the power of myths and fairy tales, examining their ability to convey profound truths about the human condition.
He discusses the relationship between literature and morality, arguing that great literature transcends mere moralizing.
The essays offer insightful analyses of various authors and their works, showcasing Lewis's keen understanding of literature and its capacity to illuminate the spiritual realm.
'On Stories' is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art and power of storytelling.
#1123
• Mentioned in 37 episodes
The Canterbury tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
#1043
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Miracles
C.S. Lewis
In 'Miracles', C.S.
Lewis argues that miracles are not statistically anomalous events but rather 'an interference with Nature by supernatural power'.
He challenges rationalists and naturalists by presenting a case for the possibility of miracles, defining them as events that do not break the laws of nature but rather operate outside of them.
Lewis does not attempt to prove the historical accuracy of Christian miracles but instead lays a philosophical foundation for understanding and accepting the possibility of miracles.
The book is a significant work in Christian apologetics, using lucid exposition and illuminating metaphors to make its case.
#15242
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Dialogues
Exploring Fundamental Questions through Socratic Conversations
Plato
This collection of dialogues presents a foundational journey into the world of philosophical inquiry.
Through the probing questions and wisdom of Socrates, Plato delves into complex discussions on virtue, justice, the soul’s immortality, and the nature of reality.
The dialogues, such as 'Euthyphro,' 'Apology,' 'Crito,' 'Meno,' and 'Phaedo,' capture Socrates' method of questioning and the pursuit of truth.
These narratives invite readers into deep contemplation about the ethical dimensions of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, shaping Western thought and encouraging readers to question, reflect, and discover the enduring relevance of philosophical exploration.
#45
• Mentioned in 272 episodes
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.
The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.
#1105
• Mentioned in 37 episodes
Odyssey
Homer
#18408
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Gargantua and Pantagruel
François Rabelais
François Rabelais's "Gargantua and Pantagruel" is a five-book satirical masterpiece of the Renaissance.
It follows the adventures of two giants, Gargantua and his son Pantagruel, engaging in humorous and often bawdy escapades.
The work satirizes various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and education.
Rabelais's writing is characterized by its grotesque humor, wordplay, and philosophical undertones.
The novel's enduring appeal lies in its wit, its exploration of human nature, and its celebration of freedom of thought.
#104
• Mentioned in 178 episodes
Confessions
Augustine
Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible.
The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism.
He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden.
The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis.
The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.
#1083
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Iliad
Homer
#3023
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Apology
Plato
Plato's *Apology* is a historical and philosophical account of Socrates' defense at his trial in 399 BCE. Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth and impiety, but instead of apologizing, he defended his actions as a philosopher, emphasizing his commitment to truth and virtue.
The dialogue captures Socrates' fearless reasoning and his reflections on mortality, leading to his eventual sentencing to death by drinking hemlock.
#1100
• Mentioned in 37 episodes
The stranger
Albert Camus
Published in 1942, 'The Stranger' tells the story of Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who is characterized by his emotional detachment and apathy.
The novel begins with Meursault's indifferent reaction to his mother's death and follows his journey through a series of events, including a senseless murder, which leads to his trial and sentencing.
Camus uses Meursault's story to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the lack of inherent meaning in life and the importance of accepting and living with this reality.
The novel also explores the tensions between French colonialists and native Algerians, reflecting Camus's own experiences and critiques of colonialism.
#103
• Mentioned in 179 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#609
• Mentioned in 57 episodes
The sun also rises
Ernest Hemingway
Originally published in 1926, 'The Sun Also Rises' is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style.
The novel follows a group of young American and British expatriates as they wander through Europe in the mid-1920s, capturing the moods, feelings, and attitudes of the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation.
The story centers around Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran and journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain.
The novel portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, reflecting the existential disillusionment characteristic of the Lost Generation.
#33938
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius
Pseudo-Methodius
The Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius is an influential apocalyptic text written in Syriac in the late 7th century.
Attributed falsely to the 4th-century Church Father Methodius of Patara, it presents a pseudohistorical narrative that reflects the political and religious anxieties of its time.
The text portrays a world teetering on the brink of chaos, with the rise of Islam depicted as a divine scourge against Christian sinfulness.
It integrates biblical prophecies and historical events to construct a vision of the future, culminating in the triumph of a Christian emperor who ushers in an era of peace before the final judgment.
This work played a significant role in shaping Christian perceptions of Islam and influencing apocalyptic thought throughout the Middle Ages.
#1852
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
The tempest
William Shakespeare
The Tempest, written around 1610-1611, is one of Shakespeare's last solo works.
The play revolves around Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who was usurped by his brother Antonio and left to die at sea with his infant daughter Miranda.
They survive and find refuge on a remote island, where Prospero masters magic and enslaves the native Caliban and the spirit Ariel.
When a ship carrying his enemies passes by, Prospero conjures a tempest to bring them ashore.
The play explores themes of magic, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness as Prospero manipulates the shipwrecked characters to rectify past wrongs and ultimately forgives them.
The story also includes the romance between Ferdinand, the King of Naples' son, and Miranda, and ends with Prospero's decision to return to Milan and reclaim his dukedom.
#683
• Mentioned in 51 episodes
King Lear
William Shakespeare
King Lear, written by William Shakespeare around 1604-1606, is a tragedy that follows the story of King Lear, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.
The division is based on the eloquence of their declarations of love for him.
However, Lear's youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited.
The play unfolds with Lear's descent into madness, the betrayal by his elder daughters, and the subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons.
Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Lear, Cordelia, and several other main characters, highlighting themes of deception, power, and the consequences of poor judgment.
#527
• Mentioned in 63 episodes
Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, is a tragic play that tells the story of two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who fall in love despite the long-standing feud between their families.
The play explores themes of love, hate, fate, and the destructive nature of the families' vendetta.
After secretly marrying, the lovers face numerous challenges, including the death of Romeo's friend Mercutio and his subsequent banishment.
A failed plan to reunite the lovers leads to their tragic deaths, ultimately bringing peace between their families.
The play is renowned for its poetic language, passionate romance, and violent conflict, making it one of the world's most beloved and enduring stories.
#1018
• Mentioned in 39 episodes
On the Road
Jack Kerouac
Written in a style of spontaneous prose, 'On the Road' is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the travels of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America.
The book captures the spirit of the post-war Beat Generation, embracing a lifestyle of freedom, jazz, and rebellion against societal norms.
It has become a defining work of American counterculture.
#134
• Mentioned in 153 episodes
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
The play revolves around Prince Hamlet's journey to avenge his father's murder, which was committed by his uncle Claudius.
Hamlet's father's ghost appears and reveals that he was poisoned by Claudius, who then married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude.
Hamlet feigns madness while he investigates and plots his revenge.
The play explores themes of betrayal, mortality, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic finale where nearly all main characters die, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and several others.
#1044
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare
The play, written in 1599, explores themes of political power, honor, and fate versus free will.
It centers around the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing his rise to power could lead to tyranny.
The play delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a civil war.
The characters, including Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony, represent different facets of political ideology and personal conviction.
The play is known for its iconic lines and its enduring relevance in examining the dynamics of power and political decisions.
#37
• Mentioned in 299 episodes
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts.
However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it.
The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events.
The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.
#188
• Mentioned in 127 episodes
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life.
The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life.
Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence.
The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.
#771
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
Republic
Plato
Plato's Republic is one of his most famous works, a philosophical dialogue exploring justice, ideal societies, and the nature of reality.
It features the allegory of the cave, a powerful metaphor for the limitations of human perception and the pursuit of knowledge.
The dialogue delves into various forms of government, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately advocating for a philosopher-king to rule the ideal state.
The Republic also examines the tripartite soul, proposing that reason, spirit, and appetite must be harmonized for individual and societal well-being.
Its enduring influence on political philosophy and ethics makes it a cornerstone of Western thought.
#535
• Mentioned in 62 episodes
Beowulf
Anonymous
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf.
The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats.
After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death.
The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.
Kale Zelden is a literature teacher and writer and in this video he joins me to discuss reading, the "Great books", and what it means to recover the reading tradition in a modern context. We talk about how to encounter old texts, what reading can contribute to our lives, and how to approach authors like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare without reducing them to modern assumptions. We also explore the limits of the novel, modernism, postmodernism, irony, and the essential rediscovery of the epic.
YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9zps7RIov44
Kale’s Substack, The Underneath: https://kalezelden.substack.com/
Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington
Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/
Learn more about Pavel Shchelin's phenomenal course on Plutarch, Live now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Coming up
01:07 - Intro music
01:32 - Introduction
02:09 - The state of education
07:30 - First of all
10:47 - The power of analogy
13:11 - Select your curriculum
21:05 - What is canon?
33:24 - What are we moving towards
39:20 - Allegory
43:47 - What is modernism?
47:50 - Great books program
53:24 - What is the epic?
BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS DISCUSSION:
00:04:45
Augustine — Confessions — Spiritual autobiography, early Christian thought
Plato — Dialogues — Philosophy of truth, justice, knowledge
Aristotle — (various works) — Ethics, logic, metaphysics
Church Fathers — (various writings) — Foundations of Christian theology
00:06:20
Anne Rice — (novels) — Modern popular fiction
Shakespeare — (general works) — Foundational drama
Beowulf — Anonymous — Old English epic poem
00:06:49
Plato — Dialogues — Rediscovered philosophical texts
00:07:32
Shakespeare — Hamlet — Tragedy of revenge and doubt
Dante — Divine Comedy — Vision of Hell, Purgatory, Heaven
Chaucer — Canterbury Tales — Medieval storytelling
Mary Shelley — Frankenstein — Creation and responsibility
Milton — Paradise Lost — Epic of the Fall
00:13:55
Kerouac — On the Road — Modern freedom and experience
Camus — (e.g. The Stranger) — Existential philosophy
00:14:31
Homer — Iliad, Odyssey — Foundational epics
Plato — Apology, Republic — Justice and philosophy
Shakespeare —
Romeo and Juliet — Tragic love
Julius Caesar — Politics and betrayal
Macbeth — Ambition and guilt
A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Comedy and illusion
King Lear — Suffering and authority
Hamlet — Existential tragedy
The Tempest — Reconciliation
00:16:21
Dostoevsky — Crime and Punishment — Guilt and redemption
Dostoevsky — The Brothers Karamazov — Faith and morality
00:21:31
Voyage of St. Brendan — Medieval Christian voyage
Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius — Apocalyptic text
The Golden Legend — Jacobus de Voragine — Saints’ lives
00:21:58
Cervantes — Don Quixote — Satire of chivalry, early novel
00:22:51
Jane Austen — Pride and Prejudice — Social psychology
00:23:59
Milton — Paradise Lost — (revisited, epic psychology)
00:26:11
Faulkner — (novels) — Fragmented modern storytelling
00:33:41
C.S. Lewis — On Stories — Defense of story over psychology
C.S. Lewis — Abolition of Man — Critique of modern values
C.S. Lewis — Miracles — Defense of the supernatural
00:37:05
Sondheim — Into the Woods — Modern fairy tale deconstruction
00:38:55
Rabelais — Gargantua and Pantagruel — Satirical, playful text
00:44:06
Melville — Moby-Dick — Epic-scale novel
Hemingway — The Sun Also Rises — Modern disillusionment
00:49:42
Ovid — Metamorphoses — Mythic transformations
00:46:13 (thinkers mentioned)
Lyotard — Postmodern philosophy
Derrida — Deconstruction
Heidegger — Phenomenology
00:53:14
Virgil — Aeneid — Roman epic
Bible — (Moses narrative) — Epic of calling and suffering
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YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9zps7RIov44
Kale’s Substack, The Underneath: https://kalezelden.substack.com/
Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington
Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/
Learn more about Pavel Shchelin's phenomenal course on Plutarch, Live now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Coming up
01:07 - Intro music
01:32 - Introduction
02:09 - The state of education
07:30 - First of all
10:47 - The power of analogy
13:11 - Select your curriculum
21:05 - What is canon?
33:24 - What are we moving towards
39:20 - Allegory
43:47 - What is modernism?
47:50 - Great books program
53:24 - What is the epic?
BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS DISCUSSION:
00:04:45
Augustine — Confessions — Spiritual autobiography, early Christian thought
Plato — Dialogues — Philosophy of truth, justice, knowledge
Aristotle — (various works) — Ethics, logic, metaphysics
Church Fathers — (various writings) — Foundations of Christian theology
00:06:20
Anne Rice — (novels) — Modern popular fiction
Shakespeare — (general works) — Foundational drama
Beowulf — Anonymous — Old English epic poem
00:06:49
Plato — Dialogues — Rediscovered philosophical texts
00:07:32
Shakespeare — Hamlet — Tragedy of revenge and doubt
Dante — Divine Comedy — Vision of Hell, Purgatory, Heaven
Chaucer — Canterbury Tales — Medieval storytelling
Mary Shelley — Frankenstein — Creation and responsibility
Milton — Paradise Lost — Epic of the Fall
00:13:55
Kerouac — On the Road — Modern freedom and experience
Camus — (e.g. The Stranger) — Existential philosophy
00:14:31
Homer — Iliad, Odyssey — Foundational epics
Plato — Apology, Republic — Justice and philosophy
Shakespeare —
Romeo and Juliet — Tragic love
Julius Caesar — Politics and betrayal
Macbeth — Ambition and guilt
A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Comedy and illusion
King Lear — Suffering and authority
Hamlet — Existential tragedy
The Tempest — Reconciliation
00:16:21
Dostoevsky — Crime and Punishment — Guilt and redemption
Dostoevsky — The Brothers Karamazov — Faith and morality
00:21:31
Voyage of St. Brendan — Medieval Christian voyage
Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius — Apocalyptic text
The Golden Legend — Jacobus de Voragine — Saints’ lives
00:21:58
Cervantes — Don Quixote — Satire of chivalry, early novel
00:22:51
Jane Austen — Pride and Prejudice — Social psychology
00:23:59
Milton — Paradise Lost — (revisited, epic psychology)
00:26:11
Faulkner — (novels) — Fragmented modern storytelling
00:33:41
C.S. Lewis — On Stories — Defense of story over psychology
C.S. Lewis — Abolition of Man — Critique of modern values
C.S. Lewis — Miracles — Defense of the supernatural
00:37:05
Sondheim — Into the Woods — Modern fairy tale deconstruction
00:38:55
Rabelais — Gargantua and Pantagruel — Satirical, playful text
00:44:06
Melville — Moby-Dick — Epic-scale novel
Hemingway — The Sun Also Rises — Modern disillusionment
00:49:42
Ovid — Metamorphoses — Mythic transformations
00:46:13 (thinkers mentioned)
Lyotard — Postmodern philosophy
Derrida — Deconstruction
Heidegger — Phenomenology
00:53:14
Virgil — Aeneid — Roman epic
Bible — (Moses narrative) — Epic of calling and suffering
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