This morning was our literature class and we talked about and analyzed King Lear for the entire three hours. It was perfect and I loved it. It was more like the literature courses I've grown accustomed to, where we delved more deeply into the text. Once again, I found gems in the play that I had previously missed. I believe that Shakespeare plays, but especially King Lear, are plays that keep giving. His writings are quite generous.
The interpretation through which we analyzed Lear today was the course and redemptive nature of love. I loved it, and Professor Talbot was able to point out some beautiful lines I had glossed over in previous readings (mostly because I was reading through a different lens). I think this is a play that will never grow old to me.
After class we grabbed a bite to eat in the kitchen before heading out to do another English assignment (though this one followed the steps of Samuel Johnson, not T.S. Eliot). I ate leftovers because dinner last night was so good (Dad, I was supposed to tell you that we had feijoada). Many others in the kitchen were of my same set of mind.
We then ventured out into the city and began to retrace some of the steps Samuel Johnson took. I don't know how I didn't know more about him until this course because he was an incredible man. He was brilliant, kind, and social (even if people were initially scared of him due to his appearance). He wrote the first English dictionary, and many of his definitions are simply delightful.
For example:
Patron: One who countenances, supports or protects. Commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is paid with flattery.
This seems to be pointed directly at the Earl of Chesterfield who originally ignored Johnson's entreaties that he act as patron for Johnson's dictionary, but then began to claim part ownership and affection for Johnson after he (Johnson) was getting famous as a result of the project the Earl originally overlooked. Johnson wrote a brilliant letter to the Earl when he found out about this.
Or this one:
Lexicographer: A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words.
Did I mention that Johnson undertook this project single-handedly? Like I said: he was brilliant.
He was also an incredible example of perseverance. His life was fraught with tragedy and hardship, yet he continued on, determined. He should be a role model and a hero for everyone.
We visited his home and it was quite lovely. He had a room for his female friends because he thought an educated woman was a wonderful thing (though the plaque in the room expressed that much more elegantly). He treated his (and his friends') books poorly, but he had a brain like a sponge and could remember seemingly whatever he read.
He also had some amazing quotes. One of my favorites was one about marriage:
"By taking a second wife [a man] pays the highest compliment to the first, by shewing that she made him so happy as a married man, that he wishes to be so a second time."
Do you love Samuel Johnson, yet? If you don't, come talk to me sometime.
In the meantime, here are some pictures for you.
Inside Samuel Johnson's house
There's a metal bar with spikes in the window above the door that was to prevent adults from lifting child burglars into the home.
Caitlin wasn't feeling well today, but she still managed to look stunning.
Okay this is really cool. The man in this painting was brought here as a slave and Johnson, who didn't believe in slavery, made this man his (Johnson's) heir.
The room where the women met
In case anyone else wasn't ever able to picture this in their minds, this is a whatnot.
We had some fun with the dress-ups.
. . .Or a lot of fun with them.
This is Wren's Church. It's the church for writers.
It was really quite beautiful inside (not that I'm biased in any sort of way). Also there was a piano concert going on when we got there so we sat and listened for a while.
This statue of Samuel Johnson can be found at the Strand.
The stage upon which we saw the worst production of King Lear I have ever seen in my life. Not that I'm bitter about it.
Okay this makes me laugh. This picture of Lizzie was taken before the show even started, but it perfectly sums up my posture at several points in the production.
And that was today! Basically, Samuel Johnson is wonderful, and people should understand Shakespeare before butchering his plays. And also I should go to bed so I can be less excited about this.
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