Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into John Milton’s Paradise Lost, a towering epic of English literature that grapples with theology, cosmology, and human nature. They discuss Milton’s attempt to craft a Christian epic, his complex portrayal of Satan, and the cosmic war between good and evil. Emily offers her provocative hot take on Milton’s theological influences, questioning whether his depiction of Christ reflects heretical Arian leanings.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Milton’s Epic Invocation

01:06 Why Paradise Lost Is So Difficult (and So Worthwhile)

04:15 The Epic Tradition: How Milton Engages Homer, Vergil, and Dante

09:24 Milton’s Life, Revolutionary Ideas, and Personal Struggles

12:45 The War in Heaven: Can You Kill an Angel?

19:05 Satan’s Rebellion and Abdiel’s Heroic Defiance

23:30 The Fall of Satan and the Construction of Hell

26:40 Milton’s Cosmology: Mapping Heaven, Hell, and Earth

32:00 The Temptation of Adam and Eve

35:20 Emily’s Hot Take: Milton’s Arian Theology and Its Impact

38:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Epic Ambition: Milton situates his work within the tradition of classical epics, calling on the Holy Spirit as his muse to tell the Christian story of creation, rebellion, and redemption.
• Satan’s Complexity: Milton’s Satan is a charismatic and tragic figure, raising questions about free will, rebellion, and the nature of evil.
• The War in Heaven: Milton vividly imagines angelic conflict, complete with celestial cannons and mountains wielded as weapons, exploring the cosmic implications of rebellion.
• Milton’s Theology: The poem reflects Milton’s intellectual engagement with Christian doctrine, but Emily’s hot take questions whether his portrayal of Christ hints at Arianism.
• Themes of Freedom and Knowledge: Paradise Lost examines the tension between obedience and free will, challenging readers to consider the costs of rebellion and the pursuit of knowledge.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Milton’s Satan challenge traditional views of evil?
  Reflect on whether Satan’s charisma makes him a sympathetic or cautionary figure.
• What makes Milton’s depiction of the war in Heaven so striking?
  Explore how the poem’s vivid imagery reimagines spiritual conflict in a cosmic setting.
• How does Milton integrate theology, science, and poetry in Paradise Lost?
  Discuss his use of contemporary scientific knowledge to create a detailed cosmology.
• Why does Milton emphasize free will and obedience in his epic?
  Analyze how these themes shape the arcs of Satan, Adam, and Eve.
• Was Milton’s theology unorthodox?
  Consider Emily’s hot take on Milton’s possible Arian influences and their effect on his portrayal of Christ.

Suggested Reading

• Paradise Lost by John Milton
• A Preface to Paradise Lost by C.S. Lewis

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Shakespeare’s Henry V, a play that captures the remarkable transformation of Prince Hal into England’s greatest warrior king. They discuss the historical backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, the tension between honor and responsibility, and the timeless power of the Saint Crispin’s Day speech. Tim also delivers his fiery hot take on how Shakespeare should be taught—and why it’s time to move beyond simply reading his plays in classrooms.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Saint Crispin’s Day Speech

01:06 Henry V: From Reckless Prince to Warrior King

04:15 The Insult of the Tennis Balls and the Call to War

09:24 Historical Henry vs. Shakespeare’s Heroic King

12:15 The Betrayal: Conspiracies Against the Throne

17:10 Leadership and Discipline: Justice Among Soldiers

22:00 The Night Before Agincourt: A King Among His Men

25:35 The Saint Crispin’s Day Speech: We Few, We Happy Few

29:50 The Battle of Agincourt: Victory Against All Odds

33:10 Henry’s Marriage to Catherine: Love, Politics, and Power

36:20 Tim’s Hot Take: Stop Reading Shakespeare in Silence

41:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Transformation of a King: Prince Hal’s evolution into Henry V illustrates the weight of kingship and the responsibilities of leadership.
• Honor and Discipline: Henry’s strict enforcement of justice—even with his former friends—underscores the cost of leadership.
• The Power of Rhetoric: The Saint Crispin’s Day speech stands as one of the most stirring calls to courage in literary history.
• Fact vs. Fiction: Shakespeare blends historical fact with dramatic creativity, creating a heroic yet complex portrait of Henry.
• Tim’s Hot Take: Shakespeare’s plays are meant to be experienced aloud and performed, not passively read as novels.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Shakespeare depict Henry V’s transformation from a carefree prince to a responsible king?
  Reflect on his growth and the burdens of leadership.
• What makes the Saint Crispin’s Day speech so memorable?
  Discuss its themes of camaraderie, courage, and shared sacrifice.
• How does Henry balance justice and mercy?
  Examine the moral and political challenges he faces as a wartime leader.
• Why does Henry’s story still resonate today?
  Explore the enduring themes of leadership, loyalty, and the power of words.
• Should Shakespeare only be read aloud?
  Consider Tim’s argument for experiencing Shakespeare as performance art rather than static text.

Suggested Reading + Resources

• Henry V by William Shakespeare
• The Play’s The Thing Podcast (exploring all of Shakespeare’s plays)
• Performing Shakespeare in Your Classroom on ClassicalU.com

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore The Song of Roland, a medieval French epic that epitomizes bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. Set during Charlemagne’s campaigns in Spain, the story recounts Roland’s heroic last stand and the betrayal that led to his demise. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s historical context during the Crusades, its complex portrayal of the chivalric code, and the cultural shift from feudal honor to Christian knighthood. Emily also shares her warm (but insightful) hot take on how Tolkien’s depictions of swords may have been influenced by The Song of Roland.

Show Guide

00:00 Episode Introduction and Opening Quote

01:06 The Historical Context: Charlemagne, Feudalism, and the First Crusade

06:18 The Origins and Transformation of The Song of Roland

12:45 Themes of Honor, Loyalty, and Betrayal: Roland and Ganelon

24:30 The Battle of Roncevaux Pass: A Heroic Last Stand

29:50 Roland’s Tragic Fall: Hubris, Bravery, and the Cost of War

35:20 Christianity and the Chivalric Code: A Tense Combination

42:00 Emily’s Hot Take: Tolkien and the Swords of Roland

47:01 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Roland’s Heroism and Hubris: Roland’s refusal to call for aid underscores his pride, but his courage and loyalty define the chivalric ideal.
• Betrayal by Ganelon: Ganelon’s resentment and treachery set the stage for Roland’s downfall, highlighting themes of personal and political intrigue.
• History Turned Legend: The historical Battle of Roncevaux Pass was transformed into a mythic tale of Christian heroism during the Crusades.
• The Christian Knight: The poem reflects the uneasy fusion of Christian virtues with the violent honor code of medieval knighthood.
• Echoes in Tolkien: Emily notes parallels between The Song of Roland and Tolkien’s portrayal of heroic swords and loyalty in The Lord of the Rings.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Roland embody both the virtues and flaws of the chivalric knight?
  Explore the interplay of pride, loyalty, and courage in his character.
• What role does betrayal play in The Song of Roland?
  Discuss Ganelon’s motivations and the consequences of his actions.
• How does the historical Charlemagne differ from his legendary depiction?
  Examine how the story elevates Charlemagne into a figure of myth and Christian leadership.
• What does The Song of Roland reveal about medieval attitudes toward war and religion?
  Reflect on the tension between Christian ideals and the warrior’s ethos.
• Are there parallels between Roland’s story and modern tales of heroism?
  Consider how Roland’s last stand resonates with contemporary narratives of courage and sacrifice.

Suggested Reading

• The Song of Roland (Dorothy Sayers Translation)

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem about a legendary hero who battles monsters and confronts a dragon. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s origins, its tension between pagan heroism and emerging Christian values, and why its rhythmic, alliterative style is best experienced aloud. Tim shares his hot take on the best way to read Beowulf for first-time readers and why reading it aloud unlocks the poem’s full power. Along the way, they explore Beowulf’s profound influence on modern fantasy literature and its lasting appeal as a timeless tale of courage and sacrifice.

Show Guide

00:00 Episode Introduction and Opening Quote

01:06 The Legacy of Beowulf: Tolkien’s Favorite Epic

04:18 The Origins of Beowulf: Oral Tradition vs. Single Author Theory

08:03 The Power of Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Alliteration and Rhythm

12:15 The Plot of Beowulf: Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon

18:09 Heroism and Sacrifice: Beowulf’s Final Battle

21:50 Pagan Honor vs. Christian Virtues: How to Read Beowulf

25:30 Tim’s Hot Takes: Best Translation and the Importance of Reading Aloud

29:35 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Epic Heroism in Beowulf: Beowulf exemplifies strength, loyalty, and honor, yet his story carries the weight of inevitable tragedy.
• The Monsters as Symbols: Grendel, his mother, and the dragon embody deeper themes such as original sin, mortality, and greed.
• A Cultural Mashup: The poem skillfully intertwines pagan ideals of valor with Christian virtues of humility and sacrifice, capturing the cultural tensions of its time.
• Tolkien’s Beowulf Connection: J. R. R. Tolkien’s scholarship on Beowulf profoundly shaped his own writing, from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings.
• The Oral Tradition: The rhythmic and alliterative structure of Anglo-Saxon poetry like Beowulf is best appreciated when read aloud.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Beowulf blend pagan and Christian themes?
  Reflect on the interplay between honor-bound heroism and Christian humility within the poem.
• What do the monsters in Beowulf symbolize?
  Explore their deeper meanings, from Grendel’s cursed lineage to the dragon’s greed.
• Why is Beowulf a cornerstone of English literature?
  Discuss its lasting influence on literary traditions and modern fantasy.
• How does Tolkien’s love for Beowulf inform his own work?
  Identify parallels between Beowulf and Tolkien’s creations, such as The Hobbit.
• Why is Beowulf best experienced aloud?
  Consider the role of alliteration and rhythm in Anglo-Saxon storytelling and the oral tradition.

Suggested Reading

• Beowulf (Seamus Heaney Translation)
• Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J.R.R. Tolkien

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore St. Augustine’s monumental work, City of God. Written in response to the Visigoth sack of Rome in 410 AD, this profound text examines the relationship between the City of Man and the City of God, offering reflections on war, virtue, and the Christian response to suffering. Emily’s hot take reframes Augustine as an early advocate for justice and equality, sparking a lively discussion about his enduring influence on Western thought.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Quote from City of God and Episode Introduction

01:09 The Sack of Rome and Its Historical Significance

03:42 Augustine’s Views on Actors and Civic Virtue

06:35 Who Was Augustine? A Biographical Overview

10:23 Augustine’s Intellectual Journey: From Manichaeism to Christianity

13:20 The Scope of City of God: Theology, Philosophy, and Just War Theory

18:08 Augustine’s Response to Pagan Critics and Christian Doubters

22:10 The End of Honor Culture: Augustine on Women and Purity

28:12 The Rape of the Sabine Women and the Foundations of Roman Violence

31:29 The City of Man vs. the City of God: Augustine’s Vision

33:30 Emily’s Hot Take: Augustine as a “Woke” Philosopher

41:02 Closing Remarks and Teaser for Upcoming Episodes

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The City of God vs. The City of Man: Augustine contrasts the eternal city, characterized by humility and peace, with the temporal city, marked by pride and ambition.
• Just War Theory: Augustine introduces the foundations of just war, grappling with the ethics of violence and the role of Christian soldiers.
• Defending the Faith: Augustine rebuts pagan claims that Christianity caused Rome’s downfall, using history, rhetoric, and theology to dismantle their arguments.
• Raising the Status of Women: Augustine’s revolutionary stance on women’s honor challenges Roman values, laying the groundwork for modern ideas of equality.
• Critique of Empire: Augustine critiques Rome’s imperial ambition, arguing that smaller, peaceful nations are preferable to empires built on constant warfare.

Questions & Discussion

• What does Augustine mean by the City of Man and the City of God?
  Discuss the implications of Augustine’s dual framework for understanding human society and divine order.
• How does Augustine’s background shape his views in City of God?
  Reflect on how his journey from a Romanized African upbringing to a Christian bishop informs his critiques of Rome and its values.
• What is the relevance of City of God to modern discussions of war and justice?
  Explore Augustine’s contributions to just war theory and how they inform ethical debates today.
• Why does Augustine reject Rome’s honor culture?
  Analyze his defense of women’s dignity and his critique of Roman violence as incompatible with Christian values.

Suggested Reading

• City of God by St. Augustine

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, exploring the contrasting characters of Alcibiades, the charming yet treacherous Athenian, and Coriolanus, the unyielding Roman general. Through their discussion, the hosts unpack Plutarch’s moral philosophy, the timeless appeal of his storytelling, and the lessons these historical figures offer about pride, betrayal, and human nature. Tim’s hot take challenges our perceptions: Would Alcibiades’ charisma make him more likable than Coriolanus’ rigid pride if we met them in real life?

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Episode Overview

01:06 Who Was Plutarch? A Moral Historian

04:18 The Art of Biography: Why Plutarch’s Stories Resonate

06:44 Alcibiades: The Flamboyant Turncoat of Athens

12:36 Coriolanus: The Proud General of Rome

17:18 Comparing Alcibiades and Coriolanus: Virtue, Pride, and Betrayal

20:52 Historical and Modern Parallels: Are We All Alcibiades?

28:12 Tim’s Hot Take: Why We’d Like Alcibiades More in Real Life

31:06 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Plutarch’s Moral Vision: Parallel Lives provides more than historical accounts; it offers reflections on the moral and philosophical lessons from the lives of great men.
• Alcibiades’ Charisma and Betrayals: Alcibiades’ charm and adaptability allowed him to switch allegiances—from Athens to Sparta—making him a compelling but controversial figure.
• Coriolanus’ Unyielding Pride: Coriolanus embodied steadfast principles but alienated both allies and enemies with his rigid pride, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• Philosophy Meets Politics: Plutarch’s Middle Platonism and Stoicism inform his portraits of these figures, emphasizing the virtues and flaws of human ambition.
• Tim’s Hot Take: Despite their flaws, Alcibiades’ charisma might win us over in real life, while Coriolanus’ pride would make him insufferable.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Plutarch’s writing style enhance the appeal of Parallel Lives?
  Explore how anecdotes and comparisons bring moral and philosophical lessons to life.
• What makes Alcibiades and Coriolanus compelling historical figures?
  Examine their contrasting leadership styles and how their flaws shaped their legacies.
• How does Plutarch’s philosophical background influence his portrayal of these figures?
  Discuss the role of Middle Platonism and Stoicism in framing the virtues and vices of great leaders.
• Why do modern readers still find Alcibiades and Coriolanus relevant?
  Reflect on the timeless nature of their struggles with pride, betrayal, and ambition.
• Which lessons from Parallel Lives are most applicable to modern leadership?
  Consider how Plutarch’s insights into character and virtue guide today’s leaders.

Suggested Reading

• Parallel Lives by Plutarch
• Shakespeare’s Coriolanus

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda analyze Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a foundational text in strategic thought. Written during China’s Zhou Dynasty, the book offers timeless insights into warfare, leadership, and human conflict. The hosts discuss Sun Tzu’s emphasis on victory without battle, his Taoist perspective on war, and the text’s widespread influence—from military strategy to modern business. Tim’s hot take explores the ethical complexities of wars between unequal powers, where smaller forces often innovate and subvert traditional rules to challenge dominant forces.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction

01:12 Why The Art of War Belongs in a Western-Focused Series

03:00 Sun Tzu’s Enduring Influence in Sports, Business, and Culture

06:01 Key Aphorisms and Strategic Principles from The Art of War

10:13 Sun Tzu’s Historical Context and the Zhou Dynasty’s Decline

14:00 The Story of Sun Tzu and the King’s Concubines

16:50 The Evolution of Chivalry and Moral Codes in Warfare

25:20 Sun Tzu’s Taoist Philosophy and the Harmony of War

29:25 The Necessity of Deception and the Value of Swift Victory

31:30 Tim’s Hot Take: The Ethical Dilemmas of Unequal Powers in Warfare

34:28 Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Victory Without Battle: Sun Tzu asserts that the highest form of victory is achieved through strategy and diplomacy, avoiding bloodshed.
• Deception as Strategy: Sun Tzu champions deception as central to warfare, challenging traditional notions of honor and morality in conflict.
• Unequal Powers and Subversion: Tim examines how smaller powers innovate and undermine established rules of war, raising moral and ethical questions.
• Sun Tzu’s Taoist Perspective: Rooted in Taoist principles, Sun Tzu views war as a disruption of natural harmony and advocates for its use only as a last resort.
• Modern Applications: From military tactics to corporate strategy, The Art of War continues to inspire leaders across disciplines.

Questions & Discussion

• What does Sun Tzu mean by “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle”?
  Reflect on how Sun Tzu’s philosophy prioritizes diplomacy, strategy, and foresight over physical conflict.
• How does deception redefine traditional moral codes in warfare?
  Discuss Sun Tzu’s argument for deception as a core strategy and its ethical implications.
• Why do smaller powers subvert established rules in warfare?
  Explore Tim’s hot take on the challenges of asymmetrical warfare and its impact on the ethics of war.
• What makes The Art of War relevant beyond the battlefield?
  Analyze how its principles apply to leadership, business, and other competitive arenas.

Suggested Reading

• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
• On War by Carl von Clausewitz

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh examine Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, an essential work of Latin literature that chronicles Caesar’s military campaigns in Gaul. The hosts discuss Caesar’s writing style, the strategic brilliance behind his conquests, and the controversies surrounding his actions, including accusations of genocide. Emily shares her hot take, defending the value of reading Gallic Wars despite its troubling content, highlighting its historical significance and the clarity of Caesar’s Latin prose.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Lines and Episode Introduction

01:06 Why Gallic Wars Is Central to Latin Studies

04:21 Julius Caesar’s Historical Context

06:44 Roman Values in Gallic Wars

09:23 Caesar’s Military Brilliance and Leadership Style

12:43 The Spartan Influence in Caesar’s Writing

17:00 Ethnography and Geography in Gallic Wars

20:34 Controversies: Genocide or Exaggeration?

28:42 Caesar’s Failed Expeditions to Britain

35:47 Emily’s Hot Take: Why We Should Still Read Gallic Wars

38:18 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Clarity and Precision in Caesar’s Writing: Caesar’s use of simple, direct Latin makes Gallic Wars a cornerstone of Latin studies, praised for its elegance and accessibility.
• Caesar as a Leader and Strategist: From sending away horses to fight alongside his men to his innovative military tactics, Caesar’s leadership remains legendary.
• Ethnography and Propaganda: The text blends cultural observations with self-promotion, portraying the Gauls as fierce adversaries to elevate Caesar’s achievements.
• Historical Controversy: The Gallic Wars faces criticism for glorifying violence and conquest, with modern scholars debating whether it constitutes an account of genocide.
• The Value of Reading Gallic Wars: Emily argues that studying the text helps us grapple with uncomfortable historical realities and appreciate its literary and rhetorical brilliance.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Caesar’s writing style enhance the impact of Gallic Wars?
  Discuss the clarity and precision of Caesar’s Latin and why it has been central to Latin education for centuries.
• Is Caesar’s portrayal of the Gauls accurate or exaggerated?
  Explore how Caesar’s ethnographic descriptions may serve as propaganda to glorify his conquests.
• How do we reconcile the Gallic Wars with accusations of genocide?
  Examine whether the text reflects historical reality or inflates Caesar’s accomplishments to solidify his legacy.
• Why should modern readers engage with Caesar’s Gallic Wars?
  Consider the text’s literary significance and its value in confronting historical and moral complexities.

Suggested Reading

• The Gallic Wars by Julius Caesar
• Asterix Comic Series
• Tacitus’ Germania