Mason
Appearances
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
All right. So buckle up, everyone, because we're about to take a deep dive into some seriously heavy history.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Like it makes you wonder if there's any other way to achieve those goals.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Without resorting to these brutal tactics.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
A philosophical one with really high stakes.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Grapple with the complexities of history.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
I'm starting to see why this chapter really had an impact on you.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And the dangers of utopian thinking.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So are you saying we should be wary of all revolutions?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That any attempt to overthrow the existing order is bound to end in tyranny?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
In sacrificing individual liberty in the pursuit of some abstract collective good.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So Lenin's not pulling this out of thin air.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like he's saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That's a warning we should all heed.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
This deep dive, man, it's been a roller coaster.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
I started out excited to learn more about the Russian Revolution.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
He's building on ideas that were already there.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And now I'm kind of terrified.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So as we wrap things up here, I think we've covered a lot. What's the one thing you hope our listener takes away from all of this?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
What's the most important lesson we can learn from this journey into the Bolshevik state?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But we can't just assume that those in power, even those who claim to be acting on behalf of the people, have our best interests at heart. Right. We have to stay vigilant.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And always be willing to stand up for what we believe in.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Because as Maximoff shows us, the price of silence... Can be much higher than we ever imagined. Wow. That's powerful. And on that note, I think it's time to wrap up this deep dive.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Which brings us to that phrase that always sends chills down my spine.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
full of twists and turns and unsettling revelations.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Even if their dreams sometimes turned into nightmares.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
The dictatorship of the proletariat.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
This chapter, man, it it really delves into those early days of the Bolshevik state in Russia.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And Maximoff just hits us with this direct quote from Lenin describing it as a power unbound by laws.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Everyone remembers the czarist autocracy.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And Max Moff, he really drives home this point that Lenin didn't just target, you know, those usual suspects.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Anyone who disagreed with him.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
I was just going to ask you about that.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Like anyone who dared to question.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And Maximoff gives us these truly terrifying examples. Doesn't hold back. He talked about April 1918.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
You know, what's fascinating is how Maximoff pulls back the curtain. On Lenin's actions.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
They trashed headquarters, shut down newspapers.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And it didn't stop there, right?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Those are rival socialist parties.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And if you were against them, well, things could get really bad, really fast.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So this wasn't just, you know, theoretical debates.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
They were silencing dissent with violence.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Oh, yeah. He's saying Lenin saw the guillotine as a blueprint.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like that saying, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, but on a way bigger and more terrifying scale.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Hold on. He advocated for what he called terror by starvation.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
To crush any form of resistance.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So for Lenin, the guillotine was just one tool.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Instead of cutting off people's heads.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And everyone's got to eat. Right.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And you might be surprised by what he reveals.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
You were an enemy of the state.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That's insane. How could anyone think that was a good idea?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So the gray monopoly, bread cards, forced labor.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
You're kidding. He's basically saying that starving people into submission is more effective than the guillotine. That's the logic. This is blowing my mind.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So, you know, right off the bat, Maximoff kind of throws us into this.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So it was a way to create a system where people were so dependent on the state.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That's a level of control that's hard to wrap your head around.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Hold on. I need a minute to process all this.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
We've gone from praising the Paris Commune to terror by starvation in what feels like 10 minutes.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like looking into the abyss of history and seeing how this idealistic vision for a better society can twist into something monstrous.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Yeah. He highlights this contradiction with Lenin.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
I don't know if I'm ready for this.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Passive resistance. So like not being revolutionary enough.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So not actively rebelling, but like.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That's what sent Lenin into a frenzy.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It really is. Like you could get in trouble just for not being sufficiently enthusiastic about the revolution.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So this wasn't just some abstract concept. Bro, not at all. Maximoff gives some concrete examples of how this terror by starvation actually played out.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
He was living through this stuff.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But then you see what he's actually aiming for. Yeah. Something far more centralized.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
He talked about how Lenin specifically targeted the peasantry.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But those prices were often way below market value.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So the peasants were getting squeezed from both sides.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Forced to sell their grain at a loss. And if they resisted, they were labeled as enemies of the people.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Called those resisting peasants enemies of the people, friends of the capitalists.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Painting a target on their backs.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But weren't the peasants supposed to be like the backbone of the revolution?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
The proletariat that Lenin claimed to be fighting for?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
The state claiming to be acting in the name of the proletariat.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Even the workers they claim to represent.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
To go after your own base of support.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Wait, so he was pitting the poor peasants against the more successful ones.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Talk about a recipe for disaster.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Which only provoked more peasant revolts.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But the damage was already done.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's starting to feel like a horror movie where the monster is not some external threat, but the revolution itself.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like this inherent tendency toward authoritarianism.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Daked into the very DNA of the Marxist state as Lenin envisioned it.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But hold on a sec. Didn't the Bolsheviks actually abolish the death penalty initially?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So how do we square that with this whole idea of them being obsessed with violence and terror?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
He doesn't shy away from these seemingly contradictory details.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Okay, I'm intrigued. So how does he explain that whole death penalty thing?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Especially after the czar had been overthrown.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And he drops this bomb on us. The workers should strive not only for a single and undivided German republic, but the most vigorous centralization of power in the hands of the state.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So it was a calculated move to gain power by appealing to these democratic ideals.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Wow. Talk about playing the long game.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like they were intentionally acclimating the population to increasing levels of brutality.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It really is. But was there any pushback from within the Bolshevik ranks?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So not everyone was on board with this descent into authoritarianism.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
He uses that slaveholder democracy analogy to drive this point home, right?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's such a powerful image. What exactly did he mean by that?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
We're cracking open chapter two of Guillotine at Work by Gregory Maximoff.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
While brutally exploiting an entire class of people.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
While simultaneously crushing any form of dissent or opposition from the masses.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
The proletariat was more enslaved than liberated.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So even the workers, the people this whole revolution was supposedly for.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like the revolution devoured its own children.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But wait, if this dictatorship of the proletariat was such a sham.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Right. Why not just come out and say, look, we're in charge now. Do things our way or else.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So it allowed them to maintain this veneer of legitimacy.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That doesn't sound very power to the people.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Even as they were actively suppressing any expression of working class dissent.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
They were able to consolidate their power and crush their opponents.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's like they were masters of propaganda.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So Marx is actually advocating for a super strong centralized state.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
This is getting seriously dark. But I can't help but be fascinated by how Maximoff weaves this complex narrative together.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
It's making me rethink everything I thought I knew about the Russian Revolution.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
And Maximoff doesn't stop there. He goes even further.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Or the specific circumstances of the Russian Revolution.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So is he saying that Marx and Engels were proto-tyrants?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That their ideas inevitably lead to dictatorship.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
About the inherent dangers of utopian thinking.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Even when wielded in the name of the people.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
This is getting really heavy. I need a moment to process all of this.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
From the guillotine to terror by starvation to slaveholder democracy to the very nature of Marxist thought.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Maximoff's analysis is just so rich and thought-provoking.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So are you ready to delve into the final part of our deep dive?
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
We'll explore the long term consequences of Lenin's vision.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
All right. So we're back and I'm still processing all that stuff about terror by starvation.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Maximoff really lays it out. You know, those connections between ideology and action.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Actually played out in the real world.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
But I feel like we've only just scratched the surface.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Because Maximoff takes us beyond just those immediate consequences.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
That this wasn't just some like phase or, you know, necessary evil on the road to utopia.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So he's saying this wasn't just a case of good intentions gone wrong.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
Always needing to find and eliminate adversaries.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So like that terror by starvation mentality just seeped into everything.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
This system, the dictatorship of the proletariat.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
I'm still grappling with this idea that Maximoff sees this authoritarianism as inherent to the Marxist state itself.
Class with Mason
Chapter II: Terroristic Nature of the Marxist States
So is he saying that any attempt to build a socialist society is doomed to fail?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
All right, let's dive in. Today we're taking a deep dive into Walt Whitman's Song of Myself.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's a beautiful thought, isn't it? The idea that the extraordinary exists all around us if we just open our eyes to see it.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So he's not just taking us on these journeys through time and space. He's also taking us on a journey inward, encouraging us to explore the landscapes of our own minds and hearts.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's like he's saying the journey outward is also a journey inward. And he's not just telling us about it. He wants us to have these experiences ourselves.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
All right. Well, before we get too lost in all that cosmic vastness, I want to bring us back down to Earth for a minute and talk about one of the most profound themes that runs through Song of Myself Death.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And he does it in this way that's both, I don't know, unsettling, but also somehow comforting.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So he's not just talking about feeling connected in a spiritual sense. He's actually claiming to be made of the same stuff as the earth, as everyone else, like literally.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Right. Exactly. Remember that line. And as to you, death, and you bitter hug of mortality, it is idle to try to alarm me. He's not afraid of it. It's almost like he welcomes it. He sees death as this transformation, this merging back into the source of everything.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
right and i know i know poetry can sometimes feel like ugh homework totally but trust me on this one song of myself is not your typical poem it's not all flowery sonnets and rhyming couplets this is free verse folks and it's epic we're talking about a journey that explores everything from self-identity to america to the entire universe also like big ideas Huge.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
No, he's not. He's acknowledging it, even embracing it. He sees it as a way of creating new life. You know, it's a pretty powerful expression of his belief in the interconnectedness of everything.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's definitely a lot to take in. You know, we've covered so much in this deep dive, but I feel like we've only just scratched the surface of Song of Myself.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's the kind of poem that keeps on giving. And that's what makes it so special. It's not just some static thing. It's this living, breathing text that changes with each reader.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Okay. Before we wrap up, I want to touch on one more important part of Whitman's philosophy, the importance of individual experience and interpretation. He's not trying to tell us exactly what to think. He wants us to find our own truth in his words.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So it's not just about passively reading. It's about grappling with ideas, questioning things, and coming to your own understanding.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Making the poem your own, too. Finding your own personal connection to it.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
OK, I have to ask, you know, Whitman is clearly a genius, a visionary poet who really changed the course of American literature. But like, why should the average person, someone who maybe doesn't read a lot of poetry, care about Song of Myself? What can it offer them?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's a poem that can help us understand our own lives, to find meaning and purpose. And it can be a source of, I don't know, comfort, inspiration, and also a challenge, all at the same time.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Okay, we're back for the last part of our deep dive into Song of Myself. It's been, well, it's been quite a journey. We've covered the body, democracy, even death. We've traveled through time and space, and it's all in this one poem.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Wow. Imagine what people back then thought when they read that.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It really does get under your skin. You know, it makes you think, makes you feel things, makes you question everything you thought you knew about poetry and yourself and the world.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So before we finish up this deep dive, I want to leave our listeners with something to think about, some questions to ponder.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Okay, so listener, here's a question. How can you take Whitman's ideas and apply them to your own life? What does it mean to celebrate yourself, not in like narcissistic way, but in a way that embraces everything you are, even the flaws?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It makes you think about all the division in the world. But Whitman is saying that underneath it all, we're all connected. Part of this big, messy, beautiful thing called life.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Whoa, that's a deep question. It really makes you look at the world differently, you know. And it's not just about the physical world either, right? He sees that same spark of life, that same wonder in every living being, like he says about the mouse.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
These are big questions, aren't they? They're not the kind of questions that have simple answers.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's like he gives us this map, but there are all these blank spaces we have to fill in ourselves. Maybe that's the whole point. The journey is more important than the destination.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's about being present in the moment, isn't it? Paying attention to what's around us, to the beauty, the pain, the joy, the sadness, all of it.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So listener, as you go about your day, try to keep a little bit of Whitman's spirit with you. Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary things. Embrace the messiness and complexity of life. Celebrate your own unique song and really listen for the symphony of voices all around you.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's a poem that inspires us, challenges us, comforts us, and helps us find our place in it all.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Yeah. Thank you so much for joining us as we explore this incredible poem by Walt Whitman. We hope you've enjoyed the journey. Until next time, keep exploring, keep asking questions, and keep singing your own song.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Instead of just, you know, squashing them. I'm starting to get this picture of Whitman as this like super observer.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
But also someone who's not afraid to dive into the less pleasant parts of life. He tackles the body, sexuality, even death topics most people would avoid, especially back then.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So it's not just about feeling connected to everything. It's about accepting everything, even the stuff that makes us squirm.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
No hiding allowed. It makes me think of that section 28, I think, where he gives this incredibly raw, almost violent depiction of a sexual encounter. It must really push boundaries back then.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
He doesn't let us off easy, does he? It's like he's holding up a mirror and saying, deal with it. But, you know, there's also this sense of freedom in his honesty. This boldness actually ties into another big part of Song of Myself, Whitman's democratic spirit.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Exactly. And he sees poetry as a way to give everyone a voice, regardless of background.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Not at all. He's intentionally highlighting everyday people, especially those on the margins of society.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's not just that he's writing about them, though. He's clearly empathizing with them. Like that line, the heavy-lipped slave is invited. There shall be no difference between them and the rest. Just jumps out at you, doesn't it?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It really makes you think about America today. Are we living up to that ideal of no difference between people?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It really does. It's like this poem is still speaking to us across time. And Whitman doesn't just move through social classes. He takes us on these incredible journeys through time and space, too. His imagery is so vivid, it's like he's teleporting us into these scenes.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Oh, it totally is. Like that line where he's talking about sailing across the ocean. My ties and ballasts leave me. My elbows rest in sea gaps. I skirt Sierras. My palms cover continents.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's so grand and sweeping. You can almost feel the wind in your hair.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And what makes this deep dive even more interesting is the time period it was written in. It's the late 19th century. And America's going through some massive changes. Think industrialization booming. The Civil War just ended.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Ah, that's why it feels so different. So much more. Unbound.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Speaking of Unbound, it's interesting how he also doesn't shy away from these like harsher realities of life.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
He takes us into battlefields, confronts us with violence, suffering. You know, it's not all sunshine and roses.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
He's not trying to shield us from the darkness. It makes me wonder, was that shocking for people back then, this kind of unflinching honesty in poetry?
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It really is. He had this incredible talent for finding beauty in everyday things, even in the midst of suffering. And he could make you see the world in a whole new way. You know, appreciate things you might have just overlooked before.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And he did it in a way that feels both personal and universal at the same time. It's like he's speaking directly to you, sharing these really intimate experiences. But he's also tapping into these larger truths about what it means to be human.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Absolutely. It's definitely a lot to unpack, but honestly, I'm feeling pretty inspired right now. It's like Whitman is giving us permission to just be ourselves, to embrace it all, and to find our own song in the midst of this crazy, beautiful world.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Exactly. And Whitman, with his revolutionary free verse style, he's like a mirror reflecting all that change and disruption. He's totally breaking all these old poetic norms, just like the nation itself is redefining its identity.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So much more. I can't wait to dive back in. We'll be right back to continue our exploration of Walt Whitman's masterpiece. All right, we're back and ready to keep going with our deep dive into Song of Myself. Before the break, we were talking about how Whitman celebrates, you know, every aspect of life, even the stuff that makes people kind of uncomfortable.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's like he's shouting, this body is mine and it's beautiful. And he's not just talking about the parts that society thinks are attractive, right? He celebrates every inch of it.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And it's interesting how he uses such straightforward language to is not flowery or abstract or anything. He's very direct and specific about the body.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Wow, that's pretty bold, especially for that time period. He's placing the physical self above religious doctrine. It's like he's saying the body itself is a temple.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It makes you wonder what people's reactions were back then. This had to be pretty revolutionary stuff.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Totally. Like he's saying, forget the old rules. We're doing things differently now. And he really kicks things off with these bold lines. I celebrate myself and sing myself. Now, before you think he's just being like egotistical, remember, he's actually inviting us, the readers, and now you, the listener, to come along on this journey of self-discovery with him.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Yeah. And it wasn't just about shocking people. He had a deeper point, right? Like in section 21, where he talks about both the pleasures of heaven and the pains of hell existing inside him. It's like he's saying that to truly know yourself, you have to acknowledge all of it, the good and the bad.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So he's not saying go wild and do whatever you want. It's more about self-acceptance on this deeper level.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
all the complexities and contradictions. He doesn't make it easy. And he does it all in this incredibly powerful language that just draws you in. There's one section that really captures this bold approach to the body. Section 28.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's incredibly sensual, almost violent in the imagery. He describes this encounter with like such force, such raw passion that it's almost unsettling.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It definitely challenges our modern sensibilities. It makes us confront the raw power of physical desire, which was pretty much never talked about openly in Whitman's time.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And letting us figure it out for ourselves. It's interesting, though, because even with all this talk about the body, Song of Myself doesn't feel like a sexy poem, you know, in the typical sense. It's more about this deep spiritual connection with yourself and with the universe.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
So the body becomes this bridge between personal experience and universal truth. He takes these big philosophical ideas and grounds them in the physical reality of our existence.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
And that's a powerful message, especially in our world today, where we're often so disconnected from our bodies. We spend so much time in our heads staring at screens that we forget to actually like inhabit our physical selves.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
He's giving us permission to be fully present in our bodies, to experience the world with all our senses. That's a pretty liberating feeling.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
You know, we were talking earlier about Whitman being this poet of the people. And I think his whole approach to the body is a great example of that democratic spirit, too. He's taking something that was taboo, something people were ashamed to talk about, and bringing it out in the open.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's a message that feels, I don't know, even more relevant today with our world becoming increasingly fragmented and digital. He's reminding us to reconnect with our bodies, celebrate our differences, and find the beauty in our shared humanity.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
He really makes you want to get out there and experience the world, savor every moment, every sensation.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
I like that. Messy glory. And that exploration takes us straight to one of Whitman's core ideas, this radical notion of interconnectedness. He sees himself reflected in literally everything. Nature, people, even the tiniest little creatures.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
Speaking of being in the world, it makes me think about Whitman's incredible ability to transport us through time and space. His language is so vivid, it's like he's creating these virtual reality experiences in our minds.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's like watching a movie with quick cuts and different perspectives. It's exhilarating. And he doesn't shy away from the darker side of life either. He takes us right into the middle of battles, confronts us with the horrors of war, the suffering of the wounded.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It's that honesty, that willingness to look at it all that makes him so compelling, so real.
Class with Mason
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
It really is. It makes you think about how often we try to avoid the tough stuff, the uncomfortable parts of life. But Whitman's urging us to face it, to accept it all as part of the cycle.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
welcome back everyone we're diving into the world of sujata pot today oh a fascinating choice i thought so yeah a poet whose work is as interesting as as her life story seems to be um we've we've got her biography right we've got some critical analysis of her work and even like a list of all of her collections and all the awards that she's won okay it's it's really a lot wow
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Her poems are a real testament to the beauty and complexity of being human.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
And they give us a look into a world... Mm-hmm. That's both familiar and strange.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I noticed, though, it's not just the content.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Like the language itself feels very deliberate, very layered.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I mean, that reminds me of her poem Search for My Tongue.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Where she explores that struggle of balancing her mother tongue with English.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
She does. And it's fascinating to me how she uses language to explore these really complex feelings. And speaking of exploration, her interest in the German artist Paula Modersen-Becker, I was really interested to see that, how deeply that influenced her work.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I wonder what sparked that connection. Yeah. Like what drew her to Maderson Becker's work.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Right. Speaking of recognition though, her work has gotten quite a bit.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
She's won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, the Chalmondeley Award, and many others. So I'm curious, what do these awards signify within the larger literary world?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So she's led a pretty remarkable life, it seems like. What stands out to you as particularly influential on her work?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So it's not just about her personal success then. It's about paving the way for other poets from marginalized communities to have their voices heard and celebrated on a global stage.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Yeah, it's like she's saying poetry is this universal language.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
That can connect us across these borders and differences.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So we've established that her upbringing, her experiences, her fascination with language, it's all really shaped her unique voice. But what about the work itself? What impact has it had on readers, on critics?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So it sounds like she's using poetry to challenge these assumptions, to spark dialogue, to make people think differently about the world.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Yeah, I love that idea. Now, before we get lost in these bigger themes, I want to look a little closer at some of her collections, some of these titles like Monkey Shadows, Pure Lizard. What do you think? What comes to mind?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
It's like she's inviting us to look at those darker parts of ourselves.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
You know, to confront those things that maybe we don't want to see.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Which just seems to pulsate with this energy and transformation.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I'm kind of sensing a pattern here. This willingness to confront these difficult emotions.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
This fascination with the cyclical nature of life and death. Right. And this connection to the natural world. Yeah. It's almost as if she's drawing parallels between our human experiences and the rhythms of the natural world.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Okay, so we've got monkey shadows with its darkness and pure lizard with its transformation and resilience. What other titles kind of jump out at you?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Do you think this collection maybe explores like female identity or the effects of trauma?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Yeah, it's remarkable how these titles just spark so many questions.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
And interpretations. It's like she's giving us just enough to make us curious. And then she's inviting us to fill in the blanks with our own imaginations.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Here's a starting point. Now go explore.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So I'm curious about how critics have responded to her exploration of these themes. What have they said about her ability to delve into these darker aspects of human experience?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I'm really curious about those storytelling traditions.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So she's not shying away from pain and suffering.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
She's embracing it as part of the human experience.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
You know, acknowledging it, but not letting it define us.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
She's creating this space where we can be vulnerable and acknowledge that darkness, but still find hope and connection.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Because, you know, how do you think that that might have shaped her approach to poetry?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Speaking of making connections, her work often blurs the lines between personal experience and these broader cultural themes. So how does she do that?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
It's like she's using her story to illuminate the stories of others, you know, to connect her own struggles to the struggles of others.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
It's a really powerful reminder. That our stories aren't just our own. You know, they're connected to these larger narratives of history and society.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
And by sharing our stories, we create this space for empathy, understanding, and recognizing that shared humanity that connects us all.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
We've talked a lot about the themes and techniques that make her work unique. But what about the actual language she uses?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Like what words come to mind when you think about her style?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Painting pictures with words. I love that.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Yeah. It's amazing how much she can say.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
And that trust in the reader. Yeah. That invitation to engage.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
I want to touch on something we mentioned earlier.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Her talent as a translator. I mean it's one thing to be a great poet yourself.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
And to capture their essence in another language. Right. That seems like a whole other skill set.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
So what are the challenges and rewards of translation?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Finding the right pieces, but also making sure you don't lose the original image.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Do you think her experience as a multilingual poet?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
You know, helping readers from different cultures connect. Through poetry.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Is this living thing that's always evolving and changing. Through these exchanges. As we wrap up.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
What do you think her lasting legacy will be?
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
Yeah, a poet who really embraced those complexities of identity, who celebrated language, and who wasn't afraid to explore the full spectrum of human experience.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
It's inspiring to think that her work will keep inspiring people.
Class with Mason
Sujata Bhatt: A Multicultural Poet's Journey
You know, for generations to come. Right. So for our listener, if you're looking for poetry, that will challenge you. That will move you and make you think about the world in new ways.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Hello, everyone, and welcome to ClassWithMason.com. I'm Mason, your host for today.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
And then we move into autumn, which Keats associates with maturity and contentment. It's a quieter phase of life where we're not chasing after beauty or excitement like in spring and summer. Instead, there's this acceptance of things as they are. The mind is at peace, watching things pass by without feeling the need to act on them.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
which Keats describes as pale misfeature this is where mortality comes into play. Winter is the season of decline, where life wins down and we face the reality of our own fragility.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
No, not at all. He seems to accept it as part of the natural order. The entire poem feels like Keats is guiding us through the stages of life with an understanding that each has its own purpose and beauty, even winter with its connotations of death. It's just another step in the journey.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
It's a very mature perspective, especially considering Keats wrote this when he was so young he passed away at just 25.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Absolutely, Emily. The human seasons is a fantastic example of how Keats uses the natural world to reflect the human experience. He does this by comparing the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter to the stages of life. It's just 14 lines, but it's packed with meaning.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Yes, and by autumn, we get into the theme of maturity and contentment. This is when the mind accepts that things come and go. We're no longer chasing after beauty like in spring. Instead, we're more content with just observing life as it is, understanding that beauty fades.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Now let's do a quick analysis of the poem, starting with how Keats uses symbolism. The seasons clearly symbolize the stages of life. Spring represents youth, summer's for reflection, autumn brings maturity, and winter symbolizes the end of life. It's simple but incredibly effective.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
And don't forget the language. Keats' choice of words like lusty spring, honeyed cud, and pale misfeature really enhances the imagery. These phrases invite the reader to see, feel, and almost experience the passage of time as Keats envisions it.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
So to wrap up, The Human Seasons by John Keats is a brilliant metaphor for the stages of human life. Through the imagery of nature seasons, Keats captures the beauty, contemplation, maturity, and eventual decline that we all experience. It's a short poem, but it leaves a lasting impression.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
We'll see you next time, where we'll continue unraveling the rich world of poetry and prose. Until then, keep reading, keep reflecting, and stay curious.
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Exactly. Let's break it down a bit. Spring or lusty spring as Keats calls it is first. Here he's talking about youth. This is when life is full of energy, creativity, and beauty. It's all about imagination and the sense of endless possibilities. Wouldn't you say, Emily, that Keats is almost romanticizing this phase of life?
Class with Mason
The Human Seasons by Keats: Summary & Analysis
Yeah, I love that interpretation. Then we move into summer, which represents a different stage, one of contemplation and dreaming. The mind isn't as wild as in youth, but it's more reflective. Almost like the heat of the summer sun slows things down, the imagery here suggests a mind indulging in thoughts sort of soaking in the warmth of its own dreams.
Class with Mason
Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
Welcome to theclasswithmason.com. Today we are going to discuss the analysis of so many oaks In the poem, the narrator stands amidst a forest of oaks, which symbolise long-standing cultural traditions and practices. These oaks represent the deeply rooted traditions in society.
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Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
This metaphorical blindness signifies those who are unable or unwilling to perceive the world with an open and free perspective. They remain ensnared by the constraints of society and refuse to acknowledge or listen to those who offer alternative viewpoints. The reference to plum trees bearing both red and white fruit symbolizes the duality of mindset.
Class with Mason
Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
The red fruit represents a mindset entrenched in traditions, while the white fruit symbolizes the desire for freedom and change. The narrator's ownership of both types of trees suggests an inner conflict, a coexistence of these opposing mindsets. The neutral color brown worn by the narrator symbolizes practicality and adaptability.
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Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
Choosing this color allows the narrator to blend into society without drawing attention. In a society that may label those who challenge traditions as evil witches, brown serves as a practical choice to navigate the world without inviting unnecessary scrutiny.
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Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
The act of attempting to eliminate or challenge these traditions is metaphorically portrayed as an attempt to cut down these oaks. In this context, someone who challenges or threatens these traditions is labelled as an evil witch. This reflects society's resistance to change and its tendency to demonise those who question or seek to break with established norms.
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Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
The poem then shifts its focus to a house with bright and clean windows, which initially appears pure and pristine. However, the brightness of the house is contrasted with the profound sorrow that resides within it. The house is inhabited by a woman who has endured the loss of her five sons in a war.
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Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
This observation underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving and within even the most seemingly idyllic settings, profound suffering and loss may exist. The poem adopts a reflective tone as it explores human limitations and aspirations. The reference to birds with feathers emphasises their freedom and the ability to fly.
Class with Mason
Critical Analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
In contrast, humans, referred to as mammals, are depicted as bound to the earth and unable to experience the same freedom. This longing for the freedom to soar above earthly constraints is portrayed as a pitiful desire. The poem also delves into humans' sensory experiences. While humans are equipped with eyes to see and ears to hear, the poem acknowledges that some individuals are born blind.
Class with Mason
Summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
Welcome to theclasswithmason.com. Today we are going to discuss the summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bahat. In so many oaks the narrator finds themselves in a forest of ancient oaks that symbolise deep-rooted cultural traditions and societal norms. Challenging or attempting to discard these traditions is akin to being considered an evil witch.
Class with Mason
Summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
The poem juxtaposes this external symbolism with the portrayal of a bright, clean house inhabited by a mother who has lost five sons in a war, highlighting the stark contrast between outward appearances and inner suffering. The poem also delves into human aspirations for freedom and open-mindedness.
Class with Mason
Summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
It expresses a desire for the kind of freedom that birds with their feathers possess, contrasting this with the limitations that humans, referred to as mammals, experience due to their inability to fly. The poem points out the metaphorical blindness of individuals who are resistant to change or different perspectives, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints.
Class with Mason
Summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
The reference to plum trees bearing red and white fruit signifies the duality of mindset. The narrator reveals ownership of both types of trees, signifying an inner conflict between traditional and progressive perspectives. The choice of the practical color brown for the narrator's attire symbolizes a pragmatic approach to navigate societal expectations without attracting undue attention.
Class with Mason
Summary of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
In summary, So Many Oaks explores themes of tradition and resistance to change, the contrast between external appearances and internal experiences, the desire for freedom, the importance of open-mindedness, and the inner conflict between traditional and progressive mindsets. It conveys a reflective and ambivalent attitude while urging readers to contemplate the societal norms that shape our lives.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Ever get the feeling like the world, the way we see it, it's like built on ideas, not just like physical stuff, but like concepts. You know, we'll get ready to like dive in deep, folks, because today we're tackling Jacques Derrida and his wild idea of deconstruction.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
No, not at all.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. Think of it like watching a movie. You get so caught up in the story. It seems seamless. Right. But then you learned about editing. How all those shots are pieced together. All the cuts to create that illusion.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
I love that. And speaking of how we see things, there's that story about the Spanish explorers at the Grand Canyon, right?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
They totally underestimated its size. Their language didn't even have the words to describe how massive it was.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Their worldview.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So is that why translating is so tricky?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like when you come across a word in another language and there's just no English equivalent.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like a glimpse into a whole different reality.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's always changing.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So dictionaries can only tell us so much. It's like the messy real world use that matters.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah, like a second class citizen.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's the traditional view.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
But Derrida flips it all around.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
I got to hear this.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's so true. When I do write things down, it's like click.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So meaning isn't this fixed thing out there. It's created in how we use language and even the act of writing itself. But how does this work with like interpreting a book? Do we all get the same meaning?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So it's not like a mirror just reflecting reality.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Between the reader and the text.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's not like a puzzle with one solution. It's more like a recipe. Same ingredients, but everyone's dish tastes a little different.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Their own experience.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's more like a lens that like changes things.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
This is blowing my mind. And now we get to this like crazy question Derrida asks. Is this whole logo-centric way of thinking, this search for solid meaning, is it just a Western thing?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Are you saying some cultures don't even think like this at all?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. Take the K'iche' Maya, for example.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Their whole culture values oral tradition, the way stories change over time.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
I'm hooked already. What sources do we have to like figure this out?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
And it makes you wonder, does our alphabet system make us more logocentric?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Whoa. My brain needs a break. We've covered so much. Logocentrism deconstruction. The limits of language. The power of writing.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Derrida really makes you rethink everything.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Where do we go from here?
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
I'm ready. Let's do it.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
I think so. My brain's still buzzing from our last talk.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
We were talking about how different cultures might have like totally different ways of understanding language and reality.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It makes you wonder if anything really gets lost in translation.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like those optical illusions. You can see two different images depending on how you look.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So when we translate, we're not just switching out words. We're trying to bridge these huge gaps in perspective.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Which brings to mind that famous Dorita quote, and forgive my pronunciation, in the Apado Or text, which I think means there is no outside text.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Sounds so cryptic. What did he mean?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So even when we think we're being objective, we're still working within a framework.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Even when we talk about stuff that seems beyond language, Like emotions or abstract ideas.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like language is the operating system of our minds.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
And we can't just uninstall it and see the world raw.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Okay, that makes sense. But if there's no outside text, if we're always stuck in language, does that mean everything is relative? That there's no right or wrong?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
And how it shapes what we think.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Be open to different perspectives.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So it's not about getting rid of truth. No. It's about understanding how we arrive at truth.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. Their language, like, limited what they could even see.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
This is making me see things in a whole new light. It's like I've been wearing glasses with the wrong prescription my whole life.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Now I'm trying on a new pair and realizing the world can look totally different.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
See the lenses we use to view the world.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
OK, so we've talked a lot about how language constructs our reality.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
But how does this play out in everyday life? How do we actually use deconstruction?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Like good, bad, male, female.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So logocentrism, this sounds kind of scary, but I'm ready.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. With one side being better or more natural.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So deconstruction is about exposing that.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Give me an example. I want to see how this works in the real world.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Less trustworthy because it's not spoken directly.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
We talked about that.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
And challenge norms that speech might not.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Each has its own pros and cons.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's so cool. It shows how these big philosophical ideas actually matter in the real world. This whole conversation has really opened my eyes.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like I'm seeing the world in a whole new way.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
To be aware of how we see the world.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So it's not just about understanding Derrida's theories.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's about applying them to our lives and becoming more aware of the information we're taking.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
With all the media and everything.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
To avoid being passively shaped.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
My brain needs a break. We went from questioning the foundations of thought.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
To exploring how language shapes reality.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's like we need a solid foundation to build on.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Oh, there's more.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Okay, we're back for the last part of our deep dive into Derrida and deconstruction. This whole conversation has like really shifted my perspective on language. It's not just words and grammar anymore. It's about how those words shape how we see the world, even ourselves.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. Okay. So we latch onto these big concepts like Plato's perfect forms.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Yeah. It shapes our thoughts, perceptions, even our identities.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's where difference comes in. Difference. Yeah, it's a tough one to explain. But basically it means that meaning is never fully present. It's always deferred, always in process, like a word in a dictionary. It only makes sense in relation to other words and those words to others and so on.
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Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Always shifting, always evolving.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Exactly. As new evidence comes up and societal values change.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
We're not these fixed beings.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Right. We're constantly being shaped by our experiences, relationships, the stories around us.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Or Descartes, I think therefore I am.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
this connects to the idea of play in language too right derrida saw language as a playground where meanings can be explored challenged reimagined think about a comedian taking a phrase and twisting it for laughs or a poet using words in unexpected ways to make you feel something new it's recognizing that language is alive we can shape it and it shapes us
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
It's not about finding the right answer then. Nope. It's about playing with language to see what new meanings we can create. This has been mind blowing. I'm looking at the world in a whole new way. And I think that's the power of Derrida's work. He makes us question everything we thought we knew.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Exactly. They become the bedrock for like understanding everything else.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
The fact that there can be multiple perspectives.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
So what's the one thing you want listeners to take away from all this?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's powerful stuff. I think we could all use a reminder of that. Definitely.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into deconstruction. We hope you learned something new and that you'll keep thinking, keep questioning, and keep playing with the power of language. Until next time.
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Right. But Derrida's like, hold on a sec. What if that center, that solid ground is actually shaky?
Class with Mason
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
That's logocentrism. And he thinks it might be like a uniquely Western thing.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
That's right, Anna. The Old English period gave us one of the most important works in early English literature, the epic poem Beowulf. It's a fascinating tale of heroism and monsters, written in Old English, which is quite different from the English we speak today.
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Gender Neutral History of English Literature
It's worth noting that women writers also made significant contributions during this time. Julian of Norwich, for example, was a medieval mystic who wrote Revelations of Divine Love, considered to be the first book in English known to have been written by a woman.
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Gender Neutral History of English Literature
These women's contributions highlight the fact that even in medieval times, literature wasn't exclusively a male domain. Their works offer valuable perspectives on religion, society, and the human experience during this period.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Absolutely. The Renaissance was a time of great cultural and intellectual awakening. Let's start with some of the major male figures of this period. William Shakespeare, of course, stands out as perhaps the most influential writer of all time. His plays and sonnets continue to captivate audiences today.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Absolutely. But it's important to note that women were also making significant contributions to literature during this period. Mary Sidney, for instance, was a prolific translator and poet. Her translation of the Psalms was widely read and admired.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
That's right. The Renaissance was characterized by key themes, like humanism, which emphasized the value and potential of human beings. This was a shift from the more religious focus of the medieval period.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Absolutely, Anna. Let's dive into our literary adventure, shall we?
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Absolutely. And it's fascinating to see how this influenced the literary landscape. Can you tell us about some of the key male writers from this period?
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
That's interesting. What about female writers from this period? Were there any notable contributions from women?
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
And wasn't Mary Wollstonecraft also active during this time?
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
It sounds like the Enlightenment was a period of significant literary development. Didn't we also see the rise of the novel as a genre during this time?
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
That's right, Anna. We'll be covering the Homeric, Greek, Roman, and Patristic periods. Each of these contributed significantly to the literary traditions we see in later English works.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Absolutely. These works introduce themes of heroism and adventure that would resonate throughout literary history. Moving on to the Greek period, we see the emergence of lyric poetry with figures like Sappho.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Today we'll be covering major periods of English literature and highlighting contributions from both men and women writers throughout history.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
In the Roman period, we have Virgil, whose epic poem The Aeneid continued the heroic tradition while also exploring themes of duty and destiny.
Class with Mason
Gender Neutral History of English Literature
Throughout the classical age, we see the development of themes that would become fundamental to English literature, heroism, love, and religious contemplation.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Welcome back, everybody, to another Deep Dive. Today we're going to be doing something a little bit different. Instead of looking at research and news articles, we're going to be looking at personal diary entries.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And then she asks him, where have you been? Wow.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Such a simple question, but it carries so much weight. It's like she's acknowledging his absence, his journey through doubt and confusion.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Right. And his response, I'm not going anywhere now. Like a vow. A promise to stay present, to hold on to this moment of connection. And the story ends with this feeling of hope. A sense that maybe just maybe they found their way back to each other.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
This whole deep dive has been a whirlwind.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
What stood out to you the most?
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I completely agree. And for anyone listening who enjoys stories that challenge your thinking, that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, I think Two Years to Forever is definitely worth checking out.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
So specifically the diary entries of Jeremy from the novel at two years to forever.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
So to wrap up, if you're looking for a quick read that will stay with you long after you finish, that will make you question everything you thought you knew about love and reality, dive into Jeremy's world in two years to forever. You won't regret it.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I think it means that something significant has already happened. Something's driving this need to document his experiences, his feelings for Emily.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Well, that's where things get a little bit interesting.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
There's this recurring theme of Emily appearing and disappearing.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Yeah, it's like one minute she's there sharing these intimate moments with Jeremy.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And then the next, she's gone almost like a ghost.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
In fact, there's this one entry where she was supposed to meet him at the cafeteria and she just never showed up.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
The dread that he describes is palpable.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Right. Is she playing games with them? Does she even exist? I mean, these are the questions that were going through my mind as I was reading these entries.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
He's grappling with it. You know, he talks about the raw honesty and vulnerability that he feels in her absence. And it's not just through straightforward statements. You know, you can feel it in the poetic language he uses.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
This constant longing and waiting. It's almost as if he's pouring his heart out onto the pages.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Well, first of all, they're interwoven with passionate love letters between Jeremy and his love interest, Emily. So you get kind of both sides of their relationship.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Yeah, that's what makes comparing their voices so fascinating. So while Jeremy's language is very grounded, focused on their earthly experiences together, Emily's letters are full of celestial imagery.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's like she's speaking from a different realm, which adds to this growing sense that she might not be entirely of this world.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
He does, and it seems to weigh on him. Okay. As I kept reading, I noticed Emily's behavior changes. Right. And they start to drift apart. There's this growing unease in his entries, almost like he knows something's not right, but he can't quite grasp it.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Exactly. And then bam, there's this gut wrenching entry where he sees Emily with another man.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
In that same idyllic garden setting where they shared their first kiss.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Oh, my gosh. The betrayal he describes is so raw. Yeah. It made me ache for him.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
But here's the thing. Jeremy's diary entries don't even start until well into the story.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Oh, completely. It's like the garden becomes a symbol of his shattered dreams, his lost innocence. And, you know, as the story progresses, Jeremy's confusion just keeps growing. His experiences become increasingly unreal, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's a question that kept nagging at me throughout the entire novel.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Or is she a figment of his imagination, a manifestation of his desires?
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Right. It's a captivating start full of mystery and raw emotion. And it definitely left me wanting to uncover more about Jeremy and Emily and the true nature of their connection.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I couldn't agree more. So for all you listeners out there who are intrigued by a good mystery, a love story with a twist, and a protagonist who might be teetering on the edge of sanity, stick around. We're just getting started.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Yeah. And I don't know about you, but for me, that made me really want to dig in even more. Like, what's going on here? Why is he holding back?
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
That's so true. It's like they exist in their own little bubble, oblivious to the outside world. And their conversations are anything but ordinary. I mean, they delve into these really deep philosophical topics, talking about the meaning of life and the importance of being present. It's like they're on a completely different wavelength from everyone else.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I felt that too. And then there's this really idyllic picnic scene in the park. Okay. And everything about it just screams romance. The setting, the weather, their conversation.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
But there's this subtle undercurrent of unease. Like a sense that something is often. Emily keeps talking about wanting to just be, not worrying about the future or what's supposed to happen next.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I definitely got that vibe. It's like she knows she's not meant to be part of this everyday world, you know, with its routines and responsibilities. And then there's this seemingly insignificant moment where she reaches for Jeremy's hand.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And he describes it as sending shivers down his spine, like confirmation of her reality, but also a fleeting moment of connection before she potentially vanishes again.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Okay. So picture this. He's describing this hidden garden that he found with Emily.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Exactly. And then bam, she doesn't show up for their next meeting at the cafeteria.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
The way Jeremy describes his growing anxiety, the fear of betrayal.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's heartbreaking. You can almost feel the weight of his dependence on her.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
A dependence that goes beyond the typical anxieties of young love.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Yes. And as his entries continue, you see him struggling with these fleeting moments where Emily seems distant, withdrawn. Her gaze drifts. Her responses are vague. Her touch lacks warmth. It's like she's slowly fading away, becoming less and less tethered to this world.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
But it's not just any garden. It's described as this almost magical, secret world. And it feels incredibly personal and intimate. And it's where they share their first kiss.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's masterfully done. And as their connection unravels, Jeremy's entries become more introspective.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
He talks about feeling trapped, weighed down by Emily's absence.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
There's this really poignant moment where he compares himself to the River Thames.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Envying its freedom to flow towards its destination while he's stuck waiting for her.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And Emily in her letters compares her love for Jeremy to a ship sailing towards an unseen horizon.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And just when you think you're starting to understand their dynamic, the author throws in another curveball.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Jeremy describes encountering Emily during a snowstorm in the park.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And the scene is breathtakingly beautiful. Almost magical, but there's this underlying tension.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
A sense that this encounter might not be what it seems.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's like the snow score has created this isolated world for them.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Highlighting the fragility of their connection.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
The possibility that it might not survive outside of this unique dreamlike setting.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Oh, I remember that part. Talk about a gut punch. Yeah. It's like the author saying, OK, are you paying attention? Nothing is what it seems.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It marks a shift in the story, a descent into even deeper uncertainty.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Right. It's like she's becoming more and more elusive. Yeah. Jeremy is desperately trying to hold on to whatever connection he has left.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's both fascinating and terrifying to witness.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Oh, that scene was brutal. The author does not shy away from depicting the raw pain of betrayal.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
That's what I was thinking, like, this garden feels like a metaphor for the world that Jeremy is creating with Emily. This world that's separate from reality, full of intense emotions and this kind of sense of wonder. And the way that he writes about their first kiss, honestly, you can practically feel the electricity.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
The shattering of Jeremy's illusions. It's like the garden. Once a symbol of their love has become a monument to his heartbreak.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Yes. And then he describes being completely ignored by Emily at a party.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
As if he's invisible. It's like the ultimate rejection. Yeah. A painful confirmation that he's losing his grip on their connection on reality itself.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And then things get even more surreal. Jerry describes regressing back to childhood, reliving his eighth birthday in the cafeteria. Emily's there, but she doesn't acknowledge him. It's like he's retreating into the past, seeking comfort in a time when things felt simpler before the complexities of their relationship took hold.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's a haunting image, isn't it? This sense of Jeremy being lost in time, unable to find solid ground in either the past or the present.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's like his memories are as unreliable as his perceptions. Blurring the lines between what's real and what's imagined and the rawness of his emotions in these entries, the heartbreak, the confusion, it's palpable.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Talk about a cliffhanger.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I was on the edge of my seat wondering what had happened, what it meant for Jeremy and Emily's story.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
Right. It's a brilliant way to leave us hanging, questioning everything we thought we knew.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
OK, so we left off with Jeremy waking up in this hospital, disoriented and questioning his own sanity. He finds his diary. But the memories, the stories he poured onto those pages, you know, they feel like this distant dream. He starts to wonder if Emily was ever
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And then just when I thought he'd hit rock bottom, the author pulls us back to the garden.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
It's different. The garden feels more real, more vivid than ever before.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
And Emily is there running towards him.
Class with Mason
Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
I thought so too. It's like all the doubt and confusion of the previous entries just melts away in this moment.
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Reviewing: Two Years to Forever - A Love That Defies Time
He describes her warmth, her scent, the feeling of her arms around him.