This chapter studies John Ford’s The Searchers against the background of Aeschylus’ trilogy, the Oresteia. As revenge tragedies, both works explore the thin line between barbarism and civilization. Ford portrays the tragedy of the isolated heroic figure who tries to bring order to the Wild West, and in the process must adopt some of the barbarism of the enemies he fights. Chapter 1
Read MoreThe introduction to Part One of The Invisible Hand in Popular Culture, “Freedom and Order in the Western” Introduction
Read MoreThe introduction argues that analyzing pop culture may require modes of interpretation that differ from those often invoked in the world of high culture. The creative models often deployed in pop culture—multiple authorship and improvisation followed by feedback—do not necessarily result in inferior art. Introduction
Read MoreShakespeare was looking in two directions when composing 1 Henry IV. He was looking back to Homer and the Iliad in order to view English history against the background of the classical heroic tradition. At the same time, he was looking at contemporary events in the court of Elizabeth. Essay
Read MoreKristol and Cantor discuss how Shakespeare used plays set in ancient Rome to explore themes such as republicanism, political greatness, and tyranny. Conversation
Read MorePaul Cantor discusses works of literature that can teach us about liberty. Conversation
Read MoreCantor explains why we should study Shakespeare’s Roman plays, and interprets Coriolanus. Paul Cantor analyzes Julius Caesar, and the impact of philosophy on Roman politics. Conversation
Read MoreCantor explains why great art is usually popular in its time, and why today’s best television shows will have enduring cultural value. How do media such as Greek tragedy and TV evolve from simple beginnings to become venues for great art? Conversation
Read MoreConsidering the American Dream, Cantor reflects on why “a country which promises freedom can’t guarantee that freedom won’t be misused.” Conversation
Read MorePaul Cantor explains and debunks the prominent arguments suggesting that Shakespeare could not have written his plays. Cantor and Kristol discuss what the “Shakespeare Authorship Question” reveals about our own ideas about literary genius. Conversation
Read MoreWhat is a Western? How and when did The Western emerge as an art form? Paul Cantor shares his perspective. Conversation
Read MoreRarely does a literary critic display the kind of genius and creativity characteristic of the famous authors he analyzes, but Harold Bloom did just that.
Read MoreIntroduction to Popular Culture and the Dark Side of the American Dream. Introduction
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