This week I stumbled across the name Demosthenes. The claim was made that he was one of the greatest orators that ever lived. I decided to see if I could find some of his speeches and came across a collection of some of his speeches. I was successful and checked a book out that covered some of the speeches that he gave between 354-330 BC.
In the introduction Demosthenes is credited as being an inspiration for orators like Cicero and the authors of the Federalist Papers. And I had never heard of him before.
As with many orators his speeches revolved around the political issues of his day. Many of them centered around the dangers posed by Phillip of Macedon. A couple of the themes that stood out to me were his focus on the importance of liberty and his disdain for oligarchy.
Overall it was a semi interesting collection of speeches that provided a glimpse into the past. Perhaps they would have been more impactful if I was more versed on Athenian history or heard them delivered.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Charles Darnay has demonstrated throughout the novel that he is a man of principle. He rejected his aristocratic inheritance because he believed the privileges enjoyed by his family had been obtained through the suffering of others. He established an independent life in England and attempted to distance himself from the injustices of his ancestors.
Now, when Gabelle appeals for assistance, Darnay once again attempts to act according to his convictions. His willingness to help is admirable. But is it wise? Darnay seems to believe that his honorable intentions will protect him from the dangers of revolutionary France. He fails to appreciate that the revolutionaries may judge him not by his personal conduct but by the family into which he was born. Perhaps more troubling is his decision to conceal his intentions from Lucie and Doctor Manette.
By doing so, Darnay deprives himself of the advice of those who care most about his welfare. He also makes a decision that could dramatically alter their ...
