“It is indeed marvelous what benefits Vladimir conferred upon the Russian land by its conversion. But we, Christians though we are supposed to be, do not honor him as this benefaction deserves. For if he had not converted us, we should now be a prey to the devil’s crafts, as were our perished ancestors.”
The Russian Chronicler
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 ...
What is the greatest weakness in Darnay's decision to return to France?
Sir John Franklin (1786 -1847)
In 1845, British naval officer Sir John Franklin departed England commanding an expedition to discover and navigate the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic. Franklin was an experienced explorer who had previously participated in expeditions to the Arctic. His new expedition consisted of two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, and 129 officers and men.
The expedition was among the best-equipped Arctic voyages of its time. The ships carried provisions intended to last several years, and Franklin's experience gave reason for confidence in the expedition's prospects. Nevertheless, the Arctic presented dangers that could not be fully anticipated. The ships became trapped in ice in September 1846. Franklin died in June 1847, and the surviving crew eventually abandoned the vessels in April 1848. None of the 129 men returned alive.
For years, the expedition's disappearance remained one of the great mysteries of exploration. The wreck of HMS Erebus was discovered in...
