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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Shakespeare's Ovid, Being Arthur Golding's Translation of the Metamorphoses</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shakespeare-s-ovid-being-arthur-golding-s-translation-of-the-metamorphoses--7035345</link><description><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7035345/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Comedy Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg</url><title>Shakespeare's Ovid, Being Arthur Golding's Translation of the Metamorphoses</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shakespeare-s-ovid-being-arthur-golding-s-translation-of-the-metamorphoses--7035345</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:10:35 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Comedy Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker46@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Religion"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1917 edition)-Patanjali</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/yoga-sutras-of-patanjali-1917-edition-patanjali--73958814</link><description><![CDATA[The "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," originally compiled in the second century BCE and presented in this 1917 edition, serves as a foundational text for understanding the philosophy and practice of yoga. This work offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, the mind, and the path to spiritual liberation, making it a timeless guide for those seeking inner peace and self-realization. Its teachings on meditation, ethics, and self-discipline resonate deeply in today's fast-paced world, where mindfulness and mental clarity are more important than ever. Listening to this audiobook invites both seasoned practitioners and curious newcomers to explore the enduring wisdom of Patanjali and its relevance to contemporary life.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73958814</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:06:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73958814/yoga_sutras_of_patanjali_1917_edition_patanjali.mp3" length="102371627" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," originally compiled in the second century BCE and presented in this 1917 edition, serves as a foundational text for understanding the philosophy and practice of yoga. This work offers profound insights into the nature...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," originally compiled in the second century BCE and presented in this 1917 edition, serves as a foundational text for understanding the philosophy and practice of yoga. This work offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, the mind, and the path to spiritual liberation, making it a timeless guide for those seeking inner peace and self-realization. Its teachings on meditation, ethics, and self-discipline resonate deeply in today's fast-paced world, where mindfulness and mental clarity are more important than ever. Listening to this audiobook invites both seasoned practitioners and curious newcomers to explore the enduring wisdom of Patanjali and its relevance to contemporary life.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12783</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Bible (KJV) 19 Psalms-King James Version (KJV)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bible-kjv-19-psalms-king-james-version-kjv--73900071</link><description><![CDATA[The "Bible (KJV) 19 Psalms" presents a collection of poetic verses from the King James Version, capturing the essence of human emotion, spirituality, and devotion. These Psalms resonate deeply with themes of faith, hope, and the search for divine connection, making them timeless pieces of literature that continue to inspire and comfort listeners today. The lyrical beauty and profound wisdom found within these texts offer solace in times of trouble and guidance in moments of uncertainty. Engaging with these Psalms allows one to reflect on the enduring nature of faith and the universal struggles of the human experience, reminding us of the power of prayer and introspection in our lives.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73900071</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:08:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73900071/bible_kjv_19_psalms_king_james_version_kjv.mp3" length="152366243" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The "Bible (KJV) 19 Psalms" presents a collection of poetic verses from the King James Version, capturing the essence of human emotion, spirituality, and devotion. These Psalms resonate deeply with themes of faith, hope, and the search for divine...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The "Bible (KJV) 19 Psalms" presents a collection of poetic verses from the King James Version, capturing the essence of human emotion, spirituality, and devotion. These Psalms resonate deeply with themes of faith, hope, and the search for divine connection, making them timeless pieces of literature that continue to inspire and comfort listeners today. The lyrical beauty and profound wisdom found within these texts offer solace in times of trouble and guidance in moments of uncertainty. Engaging with these Psalms allows one to reflect on the enduring nature of faith and the universal struggles of the human experience, reminding us of the power of prayer and introspection in our lives.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>19027</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Fasti-Publius (Ovid) Ovidius Naso</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fasti-publius-ovid-ovidius-naso--73787118</link><description><![CDATA[Fasti-Publius, authored by the renowned Ovidius Naso, invites listeners into the rich tapestry of Roman festivals, weaving together myth, ritual, and the passage of time. This work captures the essence of ancient traditions, revealing how they shaped the cultural landscape of Ovid's era. The themes of transformation and the interplay between the divine and the mundane resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring impact of cultural practices on our identities. As we navigate our own celebrations and rituals, Fasti-Publius offers a timeless reflection on the significance of honoring our past while embracing the present. This audiobook is a journey through history that continues to inspire and enlighten.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73787118</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:04:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73787118/fasti_publius_ovid_ovidius_naso.mp3" length="159686925" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Fasti-Publius, authored by the renowned Ovidius Naso, invites listeners into the rich tapestry of Roman festivals, weaving together myth, ritual, and the passage of time. This work captures the essence of ancient traditions, revealing how they shaped...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Fasti-Publius, authored by the renowned Ovidius Naso, invites listeners into the rich tapestry of Roman festivals, weaving together myth, ritual, and the passage of time. This work captures the essence of ancient traditions, revealing how they shaped the cultural landscape of Ovid's era. The themes of transformation and the interplay between the divine and the mundane resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring impact of cultural practices on our identities. As we navigate our own celebrations and rituals, Fasti-Publius offers a timeless reflection on the significance of honoring our past while embracing the present. This audiobook is a journey through history that continues to inspire and enlighten.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>19941</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Nō Plays of Japan-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/no-plays-of-japan-various--73750948</link><description><![CDATA[Nō Plays of Japan-Various offers a captivating exploration of traditional Japanese theater, showcasing the unique artistry and profound themes inherent in Nō drama. This collection immerses listeners in a world where poetry, music, and movement intertwine to convey complex human emotions and existential reflections. The timeless nature of these plays resonates with contemporary audiences, inviting them to contemplate the intricacies of life, love, and the passage of time. As a rich cultural artifact, this audiobook serves as a bridge to understanding Japan's artistic heritage and its enduring relevance in today's global landscape. Experience the beauty and depth of Nō theater, a testament to the power of storytelling across generations.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73750948</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:04:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73750948/no_plays_of_japan_various.mp3" length="167753617" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Nō Plays of Japan-Various offers a captivating exploration of traditional Japanese theater, showcasing the unique artistry and profound themes inherent in Nō drama. This collection immerses listeners in a world where poetry, music, and movement...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Nō Plays of Japan-Various offers a captivating exploration of traditional Japanese theater, showcasing the unique artistry and profound themes inherent in Nō drama. This collection immerses listeners in a world where poetry, music, and movement intertwine to convey complex human emotions and existential reflections. The timeless nature of these plays resonates with contemporary audiences, inviting them to contemplate the intricacies of life, love, and the passage of time. As a rich cultural artifact, this audiobook serves as a bridge to understanding Japan's artistic heritage and its enduring relevance in today's global landscape. Experience the beauty and depth of Nō theater, a testament to the power of storytelling across generations.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>20948</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Imre A Memorandum-Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/imre-a-memorandum-edward-irenaeus-prime-stevenson--73721466</link><description><![CDATA["Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson offers a profound exploration of identity and self-reflection, encapsulating the complexities of human experience. This thought-provoking work delves into themes of love, transformation, and the quest for understanding one's place in the world. Its enduring relevance lies in the universal struggle for authenticity and connection, resonating with listeners who seek to navigate their own journeys of self-discovery. As society continues to grapple with issues of identity and belonging, the insights presented in this memorandum remain poignant and impactful, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the depths of the human condition.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73721466</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:05:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73721466/imre_a_memorandum_edward_irenaeus_prime_stevenson.mp3" length="115463850" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson offers a profound exploration of identity and self-reflection, encapsulating the complexities of human experience. This thought-provoking work delves into themes of love, transformation, and the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson offers a profound exploration of identity and self-reflection, encapsulating the complexities of human experience. This thought-provoking work delves into themes of love, transformation, and the quest for understanding one's place in the world. Its enduring relevance lies in the universal struggle for authenticity and connection, resonating with listeners who seek to navigate their own journeys of self-discovery. As society continues to grapple with issues of identity and belonging, the insights presented in this memorandum remain poignant and impactful, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the depths of the human condition.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14419</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-desert-ways-to-baghdad-louisa-jebb-wilkins--73698278</link><description><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners on a journey through the landscapes and cultures encountered along the way to Baghdad. This evocative narrative captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's resilience in the face of challenges. The themes of adventure and discovery remain timeless, resonating with anyone who yearns for connection and understanding in an ever-changing world. As listeners traverse the desert paths and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of experiences, they will find reflections on the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge that are just as relevant today. This audiobook promises to inspire and transport audiences, making it a worthwhile experience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73698278</guid><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:05:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73698278/by_desert_ways_to_baghdad_louisa_jebb_wilkins.mp3" length="204894570" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners on a journey through the landscapes and cultures encountered along the way to Baghdad. This evocative narrative captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's resilience...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners on a journey through the landscapes and cultures encountered along the way to Baghdad. This evocative narrative captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's resilience in the face of challenges. The themes of adventure and discovery remain timeless, resonating with anyone who yearns for connection and understanding in an ever-changing world. As listeners traverse the desert paths and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of experiences, they will find reflections on the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge that are just as relevant today. This audiobook promises to inspire and transport audiences, making it a worthwhile experience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25586</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Songs of a Sentimental Bloke-C. J. Dennis</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/songs-of-a-sentimental-bloke-c-j-dennis--73674446</link><description><![CDATA["Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" by C. J. Dennis captures the essence of Australian life through the eyes of a working-class man, blending humor and heartfelt emotion. This collection of poems reflects on love, life, and the everyday experiences that shape our identities, making it a timeless exploration of human sentiment. The themes of nostalgia and the beauty found in simplicity resonate strongly today, reminding listeners of the importance of connection and the shared experiences that define us. Dennis's mastery of language and rhythm brings a unique charm that continues to enchant audiences, making this audiobook a delightful listen for anyone seeking to appreciate the nuances of life and love.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73674446</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:19:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73674446/4542_songs_of_a_sentimental_bloke_c_j_dennis.mp3" length="61589074" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" by C. J. Dennis captures the essence of Australian life through the eyes of a working-class man, blending humor and heartfelt emotion. This collection of poems reflects on love, life, and the everyday experiences that...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" by C. J. Dennis captures the essence of Australian life through the eyes of a working-class man, blending humor and heartfelt emotion. This collection of poems reflects on love, life, and the everyday experiences that shape our identities, making it a timeless exploration of human sentiment. The themes of nostalgia and the beauty found in simplicity resonate strongly today, reminding listeners of the importance of connection and the shared experiences that define us. Dennis's mastery of language and rhythm brings a unique charm that continues to enchant audiences, making this audiobook a delightful listen for anyone seeking to appreciate the nuances of life and love.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7691</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Germania-Publius Cornelius Tacitus</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/germania-publius-cornelius-tacitus--73649413</link><description><![CDATA[Germania by Publius Cornelius Tacitus offers a profound exploration of the customs, tribes, and landscapes of ancient Germany, presenting a vivid contrast to the Roman Empire. Tacitus's keen observations and sharp commentary provide insights into the nature of civilization and the complexities of cultural identity. This work remains relevant today as it invites reflection on the themes of nationalism, cultural difference, and the impact of external influences on societies. Tacitus's meticulous documentation not only enriches our understanding of history but also serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring human spirit and the diverse tapestry of cultures that shape our world.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73649413</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:51:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73649413/germania_publius_cornelius_tacitus.mp3" length="33594511" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Germania by Publius Cornelius Tacitus offers a profound exploration of the customs, tribes, and landscapes of ancient Germany, presenting a vivid contrast to the Roman Empire. Tacitus's keen observations and sharp commentary provide insights into the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Germania by Publius Cornelius Tacitus offers a profound exploration of the customs, tribes, and landscapes of ancient Germany, presenting a vivid contrast to the Roman Empire. Tacitus's keen observations and sharp commentary provide insights into the nature of civilization and the complexities of cultural identity. This work remains relevant today as it invites reflection on the themes of nationalism, cultural difference, and the impact of external influences on societies. Tacitus's meticulous documentation not only enriches our understanding of history but also serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring human spirit and the diverse tapestry of cultures that shape our world.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4195</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Awful German Language (version 2)-Mark Twain</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/awful-german-language-version-2-mark-twain--73615187</link><description><![CDATA[Mark Twain's "Awful German Language" offers a humorous and insightful critique of the complexities and quirks of the German language, reflecting Twain's own struggles as a learner. Through witty observations and comedic anecdotes, Twain captures the frustrations that often accompany language acquisition, making this work a timeless exploration of communication barriers. Its themes of perseverance and the absurdities of language remain relevant today, resonating with anyone who has faced the challenges of learning a new tongue. This delightful essay not only showcases Twain's sharp wit but also serves as a reminder of the universal human experience of grappling with language, making it a must-listen for lovers of literature and humor alike.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73615187</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:47:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73615187/awful_german_language_version_2_mark_twain.mp3" length="30216685" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Mark Twain's "Awful German Language" offers a humorous and insightful critique of the complexities and quirks of the German language, reflecting Twain's own struggles as a learner. Through witty observations and comedic anecdotes, Twain captures the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Mark Twain's "Awful German Language" offers a humorous and insightful critique of the complexities and quirks of the German language, reflecting Twain's own struggles as a learner. Through witty observations and comedic anecdotes, Twain captures the frustrations that often accompany language acquisition, making this work a timeless exploration of communication barriers. Its themes of perseverance and the absurdities of language remain relevant today, resonating with anyone who has faced the challenges of learning a new tongue. This delightful essay not only showcases Twain's sharp wit but also serves as a reminder of the universal human experience of grappling with language, making it a must-listen for lovers of literature and humor alike.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3773</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Diatessaron A Harmony of the Four Gospels - Tatian</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/diatessaron-a-harmony-of-the-four-gospels-tatian--73293953</link><description><![CDATA[Diatessaron A Harmony of the Four Gospels by Tatian presents a unique synthesis of the four Gospels of the New Testament, merging their narratives into a single, cohesive account. This work is significant for its early attempt to harmonize the differing perspectives of the Evangelists, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The themes of unity and faith resonate strongly today, as they encourage reflection on the shared foundations of belief across diverse traditions. By exploring this harmonious retelling, audiences can appreciate the enduring impact of the Gospels and the quest for spiritual truth that transcends time.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73293953</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:19:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73293953/diatessaron_a_harmony_of_the_four_gospels_tatian.mp3" length="187974101" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Diatessaron A Harmony of the Four Gospels by Tatian presents a unique synthesis of the four Gospels of the New Testament, merging their narratives into a single, cohesive account. This work is significant for its early attempt to harmonize the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Diatessaron A Harmony of the Four Gospels by Tatian presents a unique synthesis of the four Gospels of the New Testament, merging their narratives into a single, cohesive account. This work is significant for its early attempt to harmonize the differing perspectives of the Evangelists, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The themes of unity and faith resonate strongly today, as they encourage reflection on the shared foundations of belief across diverse traditions. By exploring this harmonious retelling, audiences can appreciate the enduring impact of the Gospels and the quest for spiritual truth that transcends time.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>23473</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shakespeare's Ovid Being Arthur Golding's Translation of the Metamorphoses - William Shakespeare - Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shakespeare-s-ovid-being-arthur-golding-s-translation-of-the-metamorphoses-william-shakespeare-part-2--72020910</link><description><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72020910</guid><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 09:00:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72020910/shakespeare_s_ovid_being_arthur_golding_s_translation_of_the_metamorphoses_william_shakespeare_part_2.mp3" length="284887496" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35611</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antiquity,arthur,classics,golding,greek,metamorphoses,mutability,ovid,shakespeare,translation</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shakespeare's Ovid Being Arthur Golding's Translation of the Metamorphoses - William Shakespeare - Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shakespeare-s-ovid-being-arthur-golding-s-translation-of-the-metamorphoses-william-shakespeare-part-1--72020908</link><description><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72020908</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 14:33:58 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72020908/shakespeare_s_ovid_being_arthur_golding_s_translation_of_the_metamorphoses_william_shakespeare_part_1.mp3" length="271239041" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>William Shakespeare</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>33905</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antiquity,arthur,classics,golding,greek,metamorphoses,mutability,ovid,shakespeare,translation</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/bb7ec254a10b30d4f975a8c85473322a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
