Why is it that in every superhero story, the hero never springs fully-formed into action? What’s so important about knowing why each superhero has the special powers he or she does?
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Modern ‘Macbeth’ spills blood in the kitchen
Among the many resettings of Shakepeare’s powerful exploration of ambition at all costs is a BBC version set in the kitchen of a modern high-end restaurant. How well does a tale of medieval regicide translate to 21st-century TV chef wars? Find out in this review.
Eight female authors your class should know for the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Emma”
Like Mark Twain, Jane Austen wrote tales that made her one of the most popular writers in her day. Find out what other female authors became popular in their day and some little-known facts about each one.
Hollywood Horror: The Evolution of the Horror Movie Poster
How were movies advertised before the internet existed? This article looks at the important role that movie posters played in spreading the word about the latest, scariest horror movie.
Escher’s gravity-defying waterfall
M. C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist specializing in woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs inspired by mathematical principles. “Waterfall” is a lithograph first printed in October 1961 creating an optical illusion which Escher was famous for. Select the link in the article to see the original lithograph and more of Escher’s amazing work.
Modernism
Read about the history of modernism in literature.
Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence
Stephen Lucas, a professor of humanities, analyzes the language of the Declaration of Independence.
Does Fiction Have the Power to Sway Politics?
Two writers argue that works of fiction can trigger political change, sometimes directly, but more often, indirectly. Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle, is one example.
In The Shadow Of Kafka: David Baddiel explores “The Metamorphosis” for new BBC radio series
Franz Kafka’s novella “The Metamorphosis” baffled readers when it first appeared in print a century ago. A new radio series explores its continuing influence.
Secrets Behind the Sidewalk: How 3D Sidewalk Art Is Made
Julian Beever and other 3D sidewalk artists use perspective to their advantage to help them fool the eyes of viewers. Learn about the techniques that create such convincing illusions.
Brain scans gauge horror flick fear factor
Film producer Peter Katz experiments with the use of brain scans to find out just how scary his movies are. Do you think that using medical science in this way interferes with the art of making horror movies?
Lincoln and Douglass Shared Uncommon Bond
In this interview, John Stauffer, author of the book Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham LIncoln, discusses the two men’s friendship and their mutual respect for each other.
Why the Story of Cinderella Endures and Resonates
The story of Cinderella has been told for centuries. James Deutsch, a professor of folklore, explains why Americans are particularly drawn to the tale.
Why we quoth ‘The Raven’ evermore
Editor Ron Charles critiques a new book about Edgar Allan Poe and ponders over the writer’s popularity with audiences and his scorn from academics.
What Are The Dangers Of A Single Story?
In this radio interview, author Chimamanda Adichie discusses the benefits of hearing stories from multiple points of views. Her original TED Talk on the subject is also included.
Jonathan Swift Biography
Jonathan Swift, the 18th-century Irish writer and satirist, worked in many professions and eventually became a man of some influence.
Surprising responses to Hamlet Africa tour
Researchers record the reactions of audiences in Africa to a production of Hamlet by a Shakespeare Globe theater troupe.
Top 10 Scariest Flicks of All Time
What are your scariest movies? Here’s a pick of the top ten scariest movies of all time. See if you agree!
Order to the Chaos of Life: Isabel Allende on Writing
Chilean American author Isabel Allende answers the question why writers write. Read why she shows up every day to make her voice heard.
A Life Lived in a Rapidly Changing World: Samuel L. Clemens, 1835 – 1910
Author Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain. Find out about why and how his work shaped his literary life.