Shakespeare’s Sources for Macbeth
Source: Shakespeare Online
Where did Shakespeare get his ideas? This essay by Amanda Mabillard analyzes the sources and motivations underlying Shakespeare’s writing of The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Arts & Entertainment
Edgar Allan Poe – Mini Biography
Source: Biography
Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy continues to pervade American culture to this day. His work and ideas not only helped to create an entire genre of literature but also changed the way many Americans thought and spoke about the human psyche. Watch this short biography of one of America’s most influential Dark Romantics.
Magnified photos expose the secret beauty of sand grains
Source: Mashable
Dr. Gary Greenberg uses high-quality microscopes to magnify and photograph grains of sand from beaches all over the world. Read this brief article to learn more. Make sure to click the link to view his spectacular images.
Phillis Wheatley
Source: Biography, A&E Television Networks
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry in the United States, and the third woman to do so, regardless of race. Learn more about the life of this native of Senegal who was captured and enslaved at the age of eight.
Emily Dickinson Collection
Source: Amherst College Digital Collections
Experience the Emily Dickinson Collection at Amherst College. Explore photos of the poet’s handwritten poems and letters.
Animation basics: The optical illusion of motion
Source: TEDEd
This video explains how a human characteristic called ‘persistence of vision’ is the key to motion in animation.
Anne Frank: 10 beautiful quotes from The Diary of a Young Girl
Source: The Guardian
This article appeared in January on Holocaust Memorial Day 2015, whose theme was “keep the memory alive.” Every time someone reads Anne Frank’s diary, that is what happens. What is your favorite quote from Anne Frank’s diary?
Zombie Neuroscience: Inside the Brains of the Walking Dead
Source: Live Science
What goes on inside the mind of a zombie? Two neuroscientists who are also avid zombie fans speculate about why zombies behave and act as they do. Based on their knowledge of the brain they explore some interesting reasons for their slow shuffle and poor coordination!
Fractal Patterns in Nature and Art Are Aesthetically Pleasing and Stress-Reducing
Source: Smithsonian
The patterns that appear in nature not only inspire art, but have health benefits as well.
Stitch by stitch, a brief history of knitting and activism
Source: PBS
Learn about the significance of textiles and knitting in protest movements throughout history, and how people continue to use the craft to fight for causes they believe in.