Alexander Schmid Podcast
413 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsWe are always surrounded by stories: movies, TV shows, plays, games, video games, books and even advertisements. So, why do humans tell stories, and what function do stories serve? Our goal is to unravel the fundamental structure of narratives old and new and to untangle what their connection to human consciousness is. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
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Episodes
Lecture 6: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Antigone (Lines 1-1352)
March 11, 2020 01:06 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MBIn this lecture, we cover the major plot-points of Sophocles' "Antigone." We consider (a) its chronology in relation to the other two plays from "The Theban Trilogy" which was never meant to be a trilogy; (b) considered Antigone's argument for burying her brother, Polyneices, against the edict of her uncle and the new King of Thebes, Creon; and (c) we considered the position of Creon as a new ruler with a potentially tenuous hold on power. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.s...
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 40: Dante's Paradiso Review Lecture: Cantos 1-33
March 11, 2020 01:00 - 39 minutes - 45.9 MBIn this review lecture, we review (a) major characters, (b) quotes, and (c) themes from each sphere of the final canticle of Dante's "The Divine Comedy." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 39: Paradiso's Empyrean: Cantos 30-33
March 05, 2020 19:09 - 33 minutes - 38.9 MBIn this lecture, we observe (a) Dante drink from a river of light and witness the majesty of heaven; (b) Beatrice's disappearance and replacement by Dante's final guide, St. Bernard, and then we conclude by seeing (c) Dante's beatific vision of Mary and the Holy Trinity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 5: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 983-1531)
March 05, 2020 19:04 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) Oedipus' final revelation that he has lived out his fate; (b) witness Oedipus blind himself and what that means; and (c) we conclude by observing Oedipus' final abdication and touching moment with his daughters. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 4: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King (Lines 462-982)
March 04, 2020 18:35 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) both Freudian theory and Motivation Theory in order to understand Oedipus' cognitive dissonance; we observe: (a) Creon address Oedipus' accusations of treachery and Jocasta's attempt to exonerate both men; and (c) we conclude by considering Jocasta' famous words which serve as the source of Freud's "Oedipal Complex." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spot...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 38: Paradiso's The Primum Mobile and Entry to Empyrean: Cantos 27-30
March 03, 2020 18:48 - 38 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this lecture we consider (a) the nature of space and time and how "the roots" of all the universe are contained in the Primum Mobile; (b) we think over several cosmological/theological questions: the relative speed of each sphere of heaven, the intelligence and memory of angels, and number of angels; and then (c) we ascend to the Empyrean and see a river of light. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https:...
Lecture 3: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King
March 03, 2020 18:22 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MBIn this lecture we ask: (a) does Oedipus truly care for his people or is he full of overweening hubris? (b) Using psychoanalysis as a standard, is this a play about being both willing and unwilling to consider a truth/a conflict between one's conscious and unconscious motives; and (c) is Teiresias telling the truth or is he actually colluding with Creon? Is this just a confabulation of Oedipus' to keep him from an even more disturbing truth? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 37: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars Pt. 2: Cantos 22-27
February 26, 2020 18:23 - 34 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this lecture, we (a) observe Dante's statement of faith and selections from "The Epistle of St. James" and "The Gospel of John"; (b) we see St. James' position on the debate of faith vs. acts, and then Dante's questioning of Adam, the first man, and then we conclude with (c) an angered St. Peter lambasting the (1) corruption/simony in the church and (2) its support of factionalism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support th...
Lecture 2: Introduction to Sophocles, Athenian Tragedy, and Oedipus the King
February 26, 2020 16:54 - 28 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) Sophocles' political contributions alongside his poetic ones; (b) Sophocles' three "periods" of writing and "Theban Tragedy"; and (c) we concluded by introducing Sophocles' "Oedipus the King". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 36: Paradiso's The Sphere of the Fixed Stars: Cantos 22-27
February 25, 2020 18:46 - 38 minutes - 44.4 MBIn this lecture we consider (a) Sphere 8: the Fixed Stars/Constellations and the "Church Triumphant" within them; (b) we specifically consider the example of St. Peter, and (c) we witness Dante begin his examination on the theological virtue of faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Epilogue to Homer’s Odyssey and Introduction (Lecture 1) to Sophocles and Athenian Tragedy
February 25, 2020 18:33 - 42 minutes - 48.7 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) Eugammon of Cyrene's "Telegonus", and then we (b) introduce Athenian drama and tragedy from the 5th century BCE and (c) Sophocles and his place within it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 17: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 23-24
February 20, 2020 17:18 - 34 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this lecture, we (a) review the journey of Odysseus and how far he has come; (b) we witness the final testing of Odysseus by Penelope and of Laertes by Odysseus; and (c) we observe the final battle between the suitors' families and Odysseus' family and the peace that the gods call for and that the humans implement. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 35: Paradiso's The Sphere of Saturn: Cantos 21-22
February 18, 2020 18:35 - 38 minutes - 44 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) the inability for a human mind to comprehend the intricacies of free will and predestination; (b) we consider the contemplative nature of Saturn, and we conclude by (c) considering how and why institutions and people "start well" but "end poorly" in the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 16: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 22-23
February 18, 2020 18:29 - 33 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this lecture, we discuss: (a) the fight between Odysseus' small retinue and the suitors, (b) the perfidy of Melanthios and maturity of Telemachos, and (c) we witness the judgment and punishment of the disloyal maids and Melanthios, and (d) conclude with Odysseus and Penelope sitting across from one another once more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schm...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 34: Paradiso's The Spheres of Jupiter and Saturn Cantos 18-21
February 11, 2020 18:28 - 40 minutes - 47 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) what makes a good ruler or judge; (b) how can one make it to heaven who has never heard of Christianity, and how humans can('t) know the "root" of predestination, and (c) we conclude with a consideration of exemplary rulers from differing lands and religions and what the implications of their inclusion are for Dante' Paradise. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/s...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 34: Paradiso's The Spheres of Jupiter and Saturn: Cantos 18-21
February 11, 2020 18:28 - 40 minutes - 47 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) what makes a good ruler or judge; (b) how can one make it to heaven who has never heard of Christianity, and how humans can('t) know the "root" of predestination, and (c) we conclude with a consideration of exemplary rulers from differing lands and religions and what the implications of their inclusion are for Dante' Paradise. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcast...
Lecture 15: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 19-21
February 11, 2020 17:12 - 35 minutes - 40.6 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) the story of Odysseus' scar and name, (b) the dream of Penelope and the Gates of Horn and Ivory, and (c) we witness the famous contest of Odysseus' bow! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 14: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 18-19
February 04, 2020 19:16 - 39 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) the aftermath of the fight between Iros and Odysseus, (b) the conversation between Penelope and Odysseus, and set up (c) the story of Odysseus' scar and how he received his name. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 33: Paradiso's The Spheres of Mars Pt. 2 and Jupiter Pt. 1: Cantos 18-20
February 04, 2020 19:09 - 37 minutes - 43.2 MBIn this lecture we consider (a) Dante's exile and how he will mentally prepare for it (and be rewarded by it); (b) famous crusaders, and (c) we enter Dante's Sphere of Jupiter and see the beginnings of his theory of semiotics or the transition and translation of symbols over time. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 32: Paradiso's The Sphere of Mars: Cantos 14-18
January 28, 2020 18:17 - 29 minutes - 34.5 MBIn this lecture we consider, (a) how the cross can be a symbol of the unification of divine and human nature, what the meaning of Mars' red color is, and how suffering and charity are linked to the purpose of human existence; (b) we made connections between Cacciaguida and Anchises from Virgil's Aeneid and Dante and Aeneas; and (c) we considered whether Dante's exile, though it seems bad, could actually be good because it gives him a new perspective on the problems and factionalism (of which...
Lecture 13: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 17-18
January 28, 2020 18:09 - 32 minutes - 37 MBIn this lecture, we (a) revisit the many sufferings and humiliations of Odysseus both on Ithaka and from his travels before; (b) witness the beginning stages of the famous tete-a-tete between Odysseus in disguise and Penelope; and (c) witness more poor behavior and trampling on the xenia by the suitors and a new beggar named Arnaios, but known as Iros. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.sp...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 31: Paradiso's Sphere of the Sun: Cantos 10-14
January 22, 2020 18:43 - 40 minutes - 47 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) the themes, shape, speakers, of Dante's fourth sphere of heaven, The Sun; (b) we consider the shared perspectives of St. Thomas Aquinas on St. Francis of Assisi (10, 11, 13), and the perspective of St. Bonaventure on St. Dominic; (c) we conclude by considering in which way King Solomon, the fifth light on Aquinas' circle, could be perfect like Adam and Christ. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Su...
Lecture 12: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 16-17
January 22, 2020 17:15 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this lecture, we observe: (a) the reunion of Telemachos and Odysseus and their plot to destroy the suitors; (b) we meet Melanthios, the ungracious goatherd, and observe how some in Ithaka have turned from Odysseus and from what is right; (c) and we conclude with an examination of Argos, the old hunting dog of Odysseus, as a symbol for what Ithaka has become in Odysseus' absence. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this ...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 30: Paradiso's Spheres of Mercury and Venus: Cantos 7-9
January 15, 2020 18:30 - 36 minutes - 42.1 MBIn this lecture we consider, (a) Dante's argument for why god became man; and then we move into (b) Venus, and meet Charles Martel, Cunizza da Romano, Folco de Marseilles, and Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho; (c) we conclude with a brief consideration of the relationship between the stars, one's providential destiny, and one's choices on earth. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify....
Lecture 11: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 14-16 (2019-2020)
January 15, 2020 18:19 - 37 minutes - 43 MBIn this lecture, we (a) begin the third and final part of Homer's "Odyssey" (Part 1: Bks 1-4; Part 2: Bks 5-13; Part 3: Bks 14-24) (b) observe the hospitality of Eumaios and parallels between him and Odysseus, (c) and see Telemachos meet Eumaios in front of his long-lost, and disguised, father, Odysseus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 29: Cantos 5-7
January 07, 2020 18:10 - 29 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) the second sphere of Paradise: Mercury and make several connections between the number six (6th century emperor, 6th cantos in each canticle, 6th book of Virgil's "Aeneid"); (b) we observe the speech of Justinian and the mythological and factual history of Rome from Aeneas to the Caesars to Charlemagne and downward to contemporary Guelphs and Ghibellines; and (c) we conclude by having an emperor consider the humble individual: Romeo de Villenueve. --- Send...
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019/2020 Lecture 29: Paradiso's Sphere of Mercury: Cantos 5-7
January 07, 2020 18:10 - 29 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this lecture, we consider (a) the second sphere of Paradise: Mercury and make several connections between the number six (6th century emperor, 6th cantos in each canticle, 6th book of Virgil's "Aeneid"); (b) we observe the speech of Justinian and the mythological and factual history of Rome from Aeneas to the Caesars to Charlemagne and downward to contemporary Guelphs and Ghibellines; and (c) we conclude by having an emperor consider the humble individual: Romeo de Villenueve. --- Send...
Lecture 10: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey Bks 12 and 13
January 07, 2020 17:14 - 35 minutes - 41.2 MBIn this lecture we observe: (a) Odysseus' encounter with the Sirens, Skylla and Charybdis, and the Cattle of the Sun on Thrinakia; (b) Poseidon turning the Phaiakian ship to stone (and Odysseus being deposited in Ithaka); (c) and Odysseus being reunited with Athene (conspicuously at home), and plotting the destruction of the suitors. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/...
Dante's Purgatorio: Cantos 1-27 Reviewed
December 16, 2019 18:13 - 42 minutes - 48.6 MBIn this review session on Dante's "Purgatorio," cantos 1-28 are reviewed: from Dante's entrance to Purgatory to his third and final dream before his ascent into Terrestrial Paradise. If a review on Terrestrial Paradise is desired, revisit Lecture 27 (Purgatorio Lecture 10) from this year. Students, please note that the audio covers slides 1-89; the final slides (90-120) are covered by Lecture 27 from this year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexande...
Homer's Iliad: The Entire Story Reviewed (Bks 1-24)
December 16, 2019 18:07 - 39 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this lecture, the entire narrative of Homer's "Iliad" is rapidly reviewed. The review includes major events, characters, and themes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Lecture 9: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 11 Pt. 2
December 12, 2019 17:01 - 28 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this lecture, we conclude our trip into Homer's underworld: (a) we meet Agamemnon, Achilleus, and Aias the Greater again, (b) see the arch-sinners Tityos, Tantalos, and Sisyphos, and (c) learn about the strange condition of Herakles, both shade and god. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 28: Introductory Lecture on Dante’s Paradiso: Cantos 1-5, The Sphere of the Moon (Lecture 1)
December 10, 2019 18:25 - 41 minutes - 48.2 MBIn this lecture, we introduce Dante’s “Paradiso”. Specifically, we consider (a) Ptolemy’s geocentric model of the universe and its relation to Paradise; (b) we consider Ovidian elements in Dante’s “Paradiso” as well as whether (1) Dante is fully in Paradise, (2) his mind is in Paradise, or (3) Paradise is within him, and (c) we meet Piccarda Donati and Empress Constance in The Sphere of the Moon and consider six profound questions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.c...
Lecture 8: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bks 10 and 11 Pt. 1
December 10, 2019 16:56 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this lecture, we meet (a) Aiolos, the Laistrygones, and the sea-witch Circe; (b) we see Circe’s transformative magic, and conclude by (c) entering the underworld and meeting the Theban prophet Teiresias. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 27: Lecture 10: Entrance to Earthly Paradise, The Procession of Revelation in Paradise, the Introduction of Beatrice and Departure of Virgil
December 05, 2019 18:30 - 38 minutes - 44.5 MBIn this final lecture on Dante's "Purgatorio", we discuss (a) the idyllic and pastoral nature of Eden, its place outside of time, and its connection to Parnassus and the Golden Age of ancient poets; (b) we examine the symbolism underlying the procession of elders, dancing women, griffin, chariot, and trailing men of a divine parade; and (c) we witness an eagle, fox, dragon, seven-headed monster, prostitute, giant, and examine what each of these symbols means as well as saying farewell to Vir...
Lecture 7: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey Bk 9 Pt. 2
December 05, 2019 18:21 - 30 minutes - 35 MBIn 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 Polyphemos and his great hubris; and (c) we see the cunning planning of Nobody (Odysseus), but also a rare moment of recklessness from him and its costly consequences. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcast...
Lecture 6: Introduction to Homer's Odyssey: Bks 8-9 Pt. 1
December 03, 2019 20:47 - 39 minutes - 45.4 MBIn 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; and (c) we witness the beginning of Odysseus' story of his wanderings (The Kikones and Lotus Eaters). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
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
November 19, 2019 18:41 - 41 minutes - 47.5 MBIn 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 Guinizzelli and Arnaut Daniel; (c) we then see Dante's final dream (3/3) of Leah and Rachel in a pastoral scene and conclude by witnessing (d) Virgil's final words to Dante (Dante's graduation to freedom). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/m...
Lecture 5: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Bks 5-7
November 19, 2019 18:32 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBIn 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 land after twenty grueling days on the sea; (c) Odysseus then meets Nausikaa and makes his way to the house of Alkinoos and Arete in search of safe conveyance home! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://po...
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019 Lecture 25: Purgatorio Lecture 8: Statius’ Debt to Virgil, his Prodigality, and Examples of Generosity
November 14, 2019 18:49 - 27 minutes - 32.1 MBIn 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 some Christmas Holiday themed examples of generosity and poverty: (1) the birth of Jesus (to Mary) in a manger on Christmas Day and (2) the Saint on whom "Old Saint Nick" is based: St. Nicholas of Bari. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/mes...
Lecture 4: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey and Bks 3-4
November 14, 2019 18:32 - 37 minutes - 43.7 MBIn 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) Telemachos and Peisistratos then visit Sparta, and observe (1) Menelaos and Helen's tense interactions, (2) hear Menelaos' epic story of catching a god, Proteus, and (3) finally news that Odysseus is still alive, though captive and far from home! (c) The lecture concludes with a look back to I...
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)
November 13, 2019 18:46 - 37 minutes - 42.9 MBIn 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 significance and (2) prefiguration of the final three terraces of Purgatory; (c) we conclude by meeting Statius, the Roman epic-poet who converted to Christianity (according to Dante), caused the "mountain-quake", and is our new guide alongside Virgil. **Note: I erroneously call Pope Nicholas III fr...
Lecture 3: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: Books 1 and 2
November 13, 2019 18:36 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBIn 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 suitors, and (3) the limbo of both Telemachos and Penelope; (c) we conclude by examining the structure of the first four books, the Telemachy, and meeting Telemachos for the first time. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this po...
Dante’s The Divine Comedy Lecture 23: Purgatorio Lecture 6: Day 3: (15-18): Anger, Free-will, Love, and Sloth
November 07, 2019 18:49 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this lecture we (a) conclude the analysis by Marco Lombardo of the relationship between the influence of the stars and free will; (b) we observe examples of the expiating virtue of "gentleness/meekness" and the vice of wrath; (c) we then spend the middle cantos of "Purgatorio" (and the entire Divine Comedy 16-17; 50-51) considering free will and its relationship to natural and rational love (one must liberate one's will in order to love appropriately, not enslaved by error or sin); Note:...
Lecture 2: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey Pt. 2
November 07, 2019 18:33 - 34 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this lecture, we (a) consider "The Returns" and which Achaians encounter difficulties on the way home and at home; (b) we consider the situation Odysseus finds himself in at the beginning of "The Odyssey"; and (c) we examine the proem (first ten lines) of the poem before embarking upon the narrative itself! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 22: Purgatorio Cantos 13-17 (The cornices of Envy and then Anger) (Purgatory Lecture 5)
November 06, 2019 18:47 - 36 minutes - 42 MBIn this lecture, we (a) review the structure of Purgatory proper: (1) exemplary art, (2) penitent sinners, (3) vicious art; (b) we observed examples of love/charity as expiating virtue to envy and considered the nature of envy through (1) historical personages and (2) examples of envy in art (from the Old Testament (Cain and Abel) and Greco-Roman tradition (Aglauros and Herse); (c) we conclude by ascending to the acrid smoke and darkness of Cornice 3: Wrath, and there we meet Marco Lombardo ...
Lecture 1: Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey: The Time between Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey
November 06, 2019 18:38 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this lecture, we discuss the events which take place between Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". Specifically, we consider (a) the events of the lost epic "Aethiopis", and we see the fall of Penthesilea, Memnon, Antilochos, and Achilleus; next (b) we observe the cunning of Odysseus in the "contest of the arms of Achilleus" and his part in the making of the Trojan horse; (c) we conclude the day by witnessing "The Sack of Ilium" and the deaths and abductions of many Trojans we came to know durin...
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 21: Cantos 10-14 (1st Cornice of Pride, and 2nd Cornice of Envy (Purgatory Lecture 4))
October 31, 2019 17:54 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) the difference between vices and sins, (b) the structure of the terraces of Purgatory proper: (1) exemplary virtue in art, (2) sinner in process of expiation, (3) exemplary vice in art; and (c) we observed the art and sinners themselves in the Terrace of the Proud and a representative sinner of the Terrace of Envy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 21: Purgatorio Cantos 10-14 (1st Cornice of Pride, and 2nd Cornice of Envy (Purgatory Lecture 4))
October 31, 2019 17:54 - 39 minutes - 45.3 MBIn this lecture, we discuss (a) the difference between vices and sins, (b) the structure of the terraces of Purgatory proper: (1) exemplary virtue in art, (2) sinner in process of expiation, (3) exemplary vice in art; and (c) we observed the art and sinners themselves in the Terrace of the Proud and a representative sinner of the Terrace of Envy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify....
Homer's Iliad 2019: Lecture 24: Book 24
October 31, 2019 17:38 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this lecture, we (a) revisit the dying speech of Hektor, (b) observe connections between Priam's journey to Achilleus' camp and a journey to the underworld (Hades), and (c) witness Achilleus regain his compassion and humanity while we (and Andromache, Hekabe, and Helen) sorrow over Hektor's death. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/support
Dante's The Divine Comedy 2019: Lecture 20: Purgatorio Cantos 5-9 (Purgatory Lecture 3)
October 29, 2019 17:39 - 40 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this lecture, we discuss: (a) the late-repentant: unabsolved/violent death with Buonconte da Montefeltro and Pia Tolomei; (b) the late-repentant: negligent with Sordello; and (c) we consider the drama of the angels and serpent, the gate of Purgatory, and various ways Dante portrays the purgatorial act by means of allegory. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alexande...