In this blog post, we’ll explore how Luise Rinser—who lived through an era of war, loss, and suffering—viewed humanity and life. We’ll examine the faith and humanity embedded in her works, as well as the literary message of her determination to hold onto hope even in the face of despair. Linser, a female author who captivated the postwar younger generation with her so-called “Nina novels,”...
Why Does Lorca’s “Han (Grief)” Recur in the Form of Images of Children and Death?
In this blog post, we examine how Lorca’s Andalusian “han” (grief) is linked to poetic mystery and political tragedy through the rituals of bullfighting and flamenco, as well as the symbols of children and death. The Poetic World of Lorca’s “Han” Lorca’s poetry and plays have been widely introduced in Korea. Not only have his poems been translated, but the play ‘Blood Wedding’...
How did Lawrence Sterne’s ‘Tristram Shandy’ break the mold of gentlemanly conduct and reveal a free spirit?
In this blog post, we explore how Lawrence Sterne and his masterpiece ‘Tristram Shandy’ used humor and candor to explore human fallibility and imperfection through the reader’s identification with the narrator, and why the work sparked such enthusiasm among European intellectuals of the time. The Writer with the Freest Spirit Lawrence Sterne (1713–1768), a vicar in a quiet...
How did “All animals are equal” turn into “Some animals are more equal than others” in Animal Farm?
In this blog post, we’ll examine how a revolution can be subverted by inequality of power and deception, through the plot, main characters, and the evolution of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm. Background and the Start of the Rebellion The story is set on “Manor Farm,” a manor farm in England owned by Mr. Jones. Told from the animals’ perspective as a fable, the story begins one...
In Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’, Is Freedom Salvation or Destruction?
In this blog post, we will examine the conflict between “freedom” and “good and evil” as revealed through Dostoevsky’s life and works, his dramatic approach to characterization, and the impact his ideas have had on modern literature and philosophy. On Dostoevsky “Among writers who have transcended the boundaries of literature, Dostoevsky remains the greatest today. No one else has...
Why did Descartes criticize the humanities and Scholastic philosophy and advocate for the “analytical method”?
In this blog post, we will carefully examine how the historical context of Descartes’s era and his educational experiences sparked his criticism of the humanities and Scholastic philosophy, and how his mathematical and analytical methodology emerged from that. Descartes’ Era and Social Context Descartes (René) was born in France in 1596 and died in Sweden in 1650. Although the natural...
Who was Nietzsche, and how have his ideas influenced Europe today?
In this blog post, I will briefly summarize Nietzsche’s life and ideas, as well as the impact and significance he has had on Europe today. Nietzsche and the Intellectuals of the 20th Century It is fair to say that Nietzsche is the most magnificent mountain range of thought towering over the century in which we live, and that the sweet spring that has nourished today’s Europe originated...
What Is the Message of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the plot, characters, historical context, and central themes of Jonathan Swift’s satirical novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. Overview of the Work Introduction to the Work ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ is a satirical novel written by the 18th-century Irish-born British author Jonathan Swift. It depicts the bizarre and fantastical experiences of the...
In Search of “The Lily of the Valley”?
In this blog post, we will examine the characters and themes of Balzac’s “The Lily of the Valley,” as well as the author’s life and background. Interpretation of the Work and Characters Those who have read Balzac’s “Father Goriot” first may feel momentarily perplexed when encountering “The Lily of the Valley.” While “Father Goriot” makes readers uncomfortable by starkly exposing a corrupt...
In Search of “Father Goriot”?
In this blog post, we will explore the clash between reality and innocence, the main characters, and Balzac’s life through his “Human Comedy” and the novel “Father Goriot.” The Connection Between Balzac and Dante Dante’s “Divine Comedy” is “La Divina Comedia” in the original Italian. Translated into French, it becomes “La Comédie Divine.” The reason I suddenly brought up Dante’s “Divine...