classical literature

John Milton is most famous for his epic poem "Paradise Lost" but he is also well known for his prose and other poetry that he wrote throughout his life. Sometimes involved in controvery and other times secluded in a hamlet composing verse and rhyme Milton would become one of the greatest writers in English history. He lived in the age of Shakespeare and Francis Bacon and these poetic and chaotic times would provide Milton with the energy and perspective needed to change the course of history in terms of English writing. I hope you enjoy these poems of Milton that were selected to be in the Harvard Classics.

Some Resources Covered In Video:
• John Milton - Complete Works - https://amzn.to/3TsFiuM
• Harvard Classics Complete Kindle Set - https://amzn.to/3OStaAm

If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.

FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow:  https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8

AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider. 

During the peak of Rome's glory lived a stoic emperor who left a journal that became a blueprint on how to live a virtuous and good life. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is an important pillar of classical education and classical literature. The "Philosopher King" would become synonymous with Marcus Aurelius as he would become one of the most famous Roman emperors in history. I hope you enjoy my ramblings on this amazing journal "Meditations" as we dive into Marcus Antoninus's thoughts.


If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below.
• Coffee Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ 
*Use Code "THECAUSE" for 15% off on your first order.

FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow:  https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8

AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider. 

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hal Poe, an esteemed scholar who has delved deep into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis. The conversion of Lewis, a towering figure in the English-speaking world, serves as the centerpiece of our discussion today. We embark on an exploration of his spiritual journey, a voyage that saw him transition from agnosticism to belief, a transformation beautifully detailed in his seminal work 'Mere Christianity'. Together, we also dissect his three-part biography, paying particular attention to the pivotal middle years where his faith truly took root.

Our discussion takes a turn down the lanes of Lewis's childhood, where the seeds of his eventual conversion were sown. We argue that his early church-going habits, coupled with his deep-dive into Latin and classical literature, played a formidable role in his spiritual development. We also take a moment to reflect on the profound influence of his teacher Kirk Patrick, a staunch materialist, and the overwhelming grief he experienced with the loss of his mother at a tender age.

Closing our conversation, we marvel at the profound impact of literature on Lewis's faith. His scholarship in courtly tradition, gallantry, and chivalry, as gleaned from the pages of classical literature, led him to perceive the Christian story in a fresh light, paving the way for his conversion. In a world increasingly convinced of the alleged conflict between faith and science, we analyze Lewis's counter-argument using his essays and books, such as The Abolition of Man and That Hideous Strength. As we wrap up, we ponder on what Lewis might have to say about our modern era and how his voice continues to resonate with relevance today. Join us for this enlightening journey into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis.

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Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

New poetry club “The Crab-flower Club” 海棠社 just dropped, and Daiyu is sweeping up sunsets. Meanwhile Baoyu can’t seem to keep on-prompt…

“Why should the founding of poetry clubs be the sole prerogative of the whiskered male, and female versificators allowed a voice in the tunable concert of the muses only when some enlightened patriarch sees fit to invite them? Will you come, then, and rhyme with us?”

New poetry club “The Crab-flower Club” 海棠社 just dropped!

The latest installation of our exploration of Dream of the Red Chamber ( Hongloumeng, 紅樓夢, 红楼梦).

Baoyu expounds upon one of his favorite topics, his notion of the ideal death, linking it to idle visions shared by his soulmate. He then goes off in search of a song, only to find the baleful laments of a caged bird in a hall of mirrors. 

Baoyu is poorly regarded by visitors, and Baochai sends subtle signals to Aroma. We discuss families and fortunes. 

Note: I’ve preserved a weird audio effect at the end of the episode for a behind-the-scenes feel, and because I thought it was funny.

Daiyu is expertly trolled by a bird, and Baoyu tries to charm Silver. Baoyu tries to get Grandmother Jia to praise Daiyu, but she praises Baochai instead. Meanwhile we attempt to ascertain the social-hierarchical significance of who serves whom, and who sits when. 

Is love disgusting? Why wouldn’t it be? If your love is not reaching toward some infinite embrace, the quality of being unqualified, is it love? After a discussion of the handkerchief verses, we discuss Xue Pan and the “dark social alchemy” of violence and quantification. 

In the aftermath of the beating, who really cares and who is putting on appearances? What pain can more tears rebalance? A stained handkerchief can be a symbol, and a medium for artistic response. There is mutual understanding developing in the garden, but does falsity fatally ruin the whole concept of meta-cognition?

Baoyu is beaten! How does the ideology of filial piety inform this scene, when it is intra-familial conflict that, in part, brings it in being? 

An actor, the female impersonator Jiang Yuhan, has exited the Prince of Zhongshun’s stage, his gifted sash contradicting Baoyu’s claims of ignorance. Which path of fate is being depicted, and why must extreme violence befall Baoyu? 

The death of Golden 金釧! Who is at fault for her premature demise? Is there any agency in, and meaning to one’s actions, when symbols prefigure, and fate seems fixed? 

A short Xiangyun 湘雲 episode! We attempt to decipher her thoughts on yinyang 陰陽 philosophy and how it relates to her relationship with her maid Kingfisher 翠縷. The metaphysics of golden qilin 麒麟 in Dream of the Red Chamber/ Story of the Stone (紅樓夢, 红楼梦) are also briefly addressed.

What are the ethics of using an object? Is it immoral to break something just for the sound of it? What social, political, and economic sacrifices are justified, when performed for those closest? DISCLAIMER: no fans were hurt in the recording of this episode.

What meaning could reside in a hairpin? When is a hairpin a pen, and which character is being written? Would a false Xi Shi 西施 dream of real roses? Part 2 of our discussion of Chapter 30 of "Dream of the Red Chamber" Hong lou meng 紅樓夢, "Story of the Stone" (石頭記).

Plays within plays, and a meta-cognitive dispute! Is every jade tear still a microcosm? Do two false representations make one shared reality? Part 2 of our discussion of Chapter 29 of Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢，红楼梦), Story of the Stone (石头记).

In Chapter 29 of Dream of the Red Chamber (Hongloumeng 紅樓夢, Story of the Stone 石頭記), the crew is out and about in full force. Even before the plays begin, a spitting is delegated, a collision is mitigated, and a famous jade is investigated.

The poetry party, an artistic dream within a dream, continues! Readers of Dream of the Red Chamber (Story of the Stone 石頭記, Hongloumeng 紅樓夢) are here first introduced to the poetic stylings of Xue Pan 薛蟠, arguably the first postmodern brutalist poet in the classical Chinese literary tradition! 

Beowulf.  A shining young warrior has crossed the water and saved the Danish people from a dreadful monster and his scarcely less dreadful mother.  As the Danes honour Beowulf with feasting, gifts and music their aged king offers him some counsel.  Hrothgar has ruled the Danes for fifty years, in times of triumph and adversity, and he wants to make sure his young friend can profit from his own hard-won wisdom. 

Professing Literature is back! We'd love to hear what you think about this episode or any of the others. Please send questions, comments, or otherwise to ProfessingLiterature@protonmail.com.

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Theme Music: "Nobility" by Wicked Cinema

Opening Passage Music: "The White Birch" by Moorland Songs