Heart of It

The Canterbury Tales & Paradise Lost are two epic works that have been entertaining- and sometimes exasperating- readers for centuries. In a series of lectures, literary scholar Elizabeth McNamer provides engaging insights into these two iconic works of British literature. Geoffrey Chaucer's merry charm and John Milton's high seriousness become relatable to modern minds when explored by Dr. McNamer. Chaucer's lively, lusty, and never boring Pilgrims have tales to tell that for six centuries have delighted the hearts of readers. One of the great epic poems of all time, Paradise Lost tells of Satan and his evil companions who, through pride, lost heaven for mankind. While these lectures are grounded in scholarly research, they are also accessible for contemporary audiences, helping them appreciate more fully these two great works.

Hamlet and Macbeth are two dramas by William Shakespeare that have been thrilling audiences for centuries. Both have been adapted to radio and film and continue to be taught in high schools and universities. But as with most of Shakespeare' s works, modern audiences sometimes need some help absorbing elements of both plays. In a series of lectures, literary scholar Elizabeth McNamer provides engaging insights into these two Shakespeare classics. Providing glimpses into each play' s most compelling moments, Dr. McNamer first focuses on Hamlet, regarded by many as the greatest drama ever written. Because he is given much to philosophizing, the Danish prince fails to act- and this procrastination becomes Hamlet' s downfall. McNamer then tackles Shakespeare's most gruesome tragedy. Macbeth, who has murdered his way to the crown, finds there only a murderer's reward- no peace, no love, no honor, no friends- only curses. While these lectures are grounded in scholarly research, they are also accessible for contemporary audiences, helping them appreciate more fully these two great works.

As You Like It and A Midsummer Night' s Dream are two comedies by William Shakespeare that have been entertaining audiences for centuries. Both have been adapted to radio and film and continue to be taught in high schools and universities. But as with most of Shakespeare' s works, modern audiences sometimes need some help absorbing elements of both plays. In a series of lectures, literary scholar Elizabeth McNamer provides engaging insights into these two Shakespeare classics. Dr. McNamer begins with a focus on the love story of Orlando and Rosalind and how As You Like It spoofs conventional literary themes of love. McNamer then focuses on the themes of jealousy, imagination, patriarchy, and the many difficulties of love in A Midsummer Night' s Dream. While these lectures are grounded in scholarly research, they are also accessible for contemporary audiences, helping them appreciate more fully these two great theatrical works.

The Illiad & The Odyssey are two epic poems by Greek author Homer, works that have been entertaining- and perhaps exasperating- readers for centuries. In a series of lectures, literary scholar Elizabeth McNamer provides engaging insights into these two iconic works. McNamer first discusses how The Iliad portrays love, jealousy, pride, and the courage men and women display in war. McNamer then focuses on and The Odyssey in which the hero Odysseus endures strange adventures en route home to his faithful wife. While these lectures are grounded in scholarly research, they are also accessible for contemporary audiences, helping them appreciate more fully these two great works.