Phillis Wheatley Biography

Source: Biography

This biography outlines the life of Phillis Wheatley, who became a published poet despite being enslaved.

The art of 9/11

Source: The Independent

Tom Sutcliffe, who writes about the arts and media, examines artists’ struggle to make works relating to 9/11.

The Oscars’ Biggest Win? Acknowledging the Power of Genre Movies

Source: Wired

According to the author of this article, movies in genres such as horror and science fiction are being recognized as part of the mainstream because audiences connect with them in meaningful ways.

A Close, Intimate Look at Walt Whitman

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

What can the camera tell us about the lives and work of famous authors? In this article, poet Mark Strand examines an 1891 photograph of Walt Whitman.

How To View Art: However You Want To

Source: Art Museum Teaching

A museum educator gives some practical tips for viewing art and refutes the idea that museum visitors need to study ahead of time or follow a prescribed approach.

The Chilling True Story Behind the Pied Piper of Hamelin

Source: The Portalist

Where do fairy tales and legends come from? At least one well-known tale is rooted in a real historic event.

Toil and Trouble: A Troubling Turn on Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Source: The Austin Chronicle

Shakespeare and puppets may not seem like a natural combination, but this theater review makes the case that puppets are the perfect metaphor for the couple at the forefront of The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Five protest poets all demonstrators should read

Source: The Conversation

Read about five poets who used poetry as a means of protest.

See Why Thoreau’s Walden Still Inspires

Source: National Geographic

Writer Kennedy Warne reflects on his admiration of Henry David Thoreau after a day spent at Walden Pond. View the image gallery at the top of the article to see the inspirational location.

‘It makes me cry:’ Tim O’Brien’s Vietnam War wounds will never heal

Source: The Washington Post

Author Tim O’Brien talks to a reporter from The Washington Post about how he remains deeply haunted by his time as a solider in the Vietnam War.