Podcasts about Sophocles

Episode 87 Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold Mark McGuinness reads and discusses ‘Dover Beach' by Matthew Arnold. https://media.blubrry.com/amouthfulofair/media.blubrry.com/amouthfulofair/content.blubrry.com/amouthfulofair/87_Dover_Beach_by_Matthew_Arnold.mp3 Poet Matthew Arnold Reading and commentary by Mark McGuinness Dover Beach By Matthew Arnold The sea is calm tonight.The tide is full, the moon lies fairUpon the straits; on the French coast the lightGleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!Only, from the long line of sprayWhere the sea meets the moon-blanched land,Listen! you hear the grating roarOf pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,At their return, up the high strand,Begin, and cease, and then again begin,With tremulous cadence slow, and bringThe eternal note of sadness in. Sophocles long agoHeard it on the Aegean, and it broughtInto his mind the turbid ebb and flowOf human misery; weFind also in the sound a thought,Hearing it by this distant northern sea. The Sea of FaithWas once, too, at the full, and round earth's shoreLay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.But now I only hearIts melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,Retreating, to the breathOf the night-wind, down the vast edges drearAnd naked shingles of the world. Ah, love, let us be trueTo one another! for the world, which seemsTo lie before us like a land of dreams,So various, so beautiful, so new,Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light,Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain;And we are here as on a darkling plainSwept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,Where ignorant armies clash by night. Podcast Transcript This is a magnificent and haunting poem by Matthew Arnold, an eminent Victorian poet. Written and published at the mid-point of the nineteenth century – it was probably written around 1851 and published in 1867 – it is not only a shining example of Victorian poetry at its best, but it also, and not coincidentally, embodies some of the central preoccupations of the Victorian age. The basic scenario is very simple: a man is looking out at the sea at night and thinking deep thoughts. It's something that we've all done, isn't it? The two tend to go hand-in-hand. When you're looking out into the darkness, listening to the sound of the sea, it's hard not to be thinking deep thoughts. If you've been a long time listener to this podcast, it may remind you of another poet who wrote about standing on the shore thinking deep thoughts, looking at the sea, Shakespeare, in his Sonnet 60: Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,So do our minutes hasten to their end; Arnold's poem is not a sonnet but a poem in four verse paragraphs. They're not stanzas, because they're not regular, but if you look at the text on the website, you can clearly see it's divided into four sections. The first part is a description of the sea, as seen from Dover Beach, which is on the shore of the narrowest part of the English channel, making it the closest part of England to France: The sea is calm tonight.The tide is full, the moon lies fairUpon the straits; – on the French coast the lightGleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay. And as you can hear, the poem has a pretty regular and conventional rhythm, based on iambic metre, ti TUM, with the second syllable taking the stress in every metrical unit. But what's slightly unusual is that the lines have varying lengths. By the time we get to the third line: Upon the straits; – on the French coast the light There are five beats. There's a bit of variation in the middle of the line, but it's very recognisable as classic iambic pentameter, which has a baseline pattern going ti TUM, ti TUM, ti TUM, ti TUM, ti TUM. But before we get to the pentameter, we get two short lines: The sea is calm tonight.Only three beats; andThe tide is full, the moon lies fair – four beats. We also start to notice the rhymes: ‘tonight' and ‘light'. And we have an absolutely delightful enjambment, where a phrase spills over the end of one line into the next one: On the French coast the light,Gleams and is gone. Isn't that just fantastic? The light flashes out like a little surprise at the start of the line, just as it's a little surprise for the speaker looking out to sea. OK, once he's set the scene, he makes an invitation: Come to the window, sweet is the night-air! So if there's a window, he must be in a room. There's somebody in the room with him, and given that it's night it could well be a bedroom. So this person could be a lover. It's quite likely that this poem was written on Arnold's honeymoon, which would obviously fit this scenario. But anyway, he's inviting this person to come to the window and listen. And what does this person hear? Well, helpfully, the speaker tells us: Listen! you hear the grating roarOf pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,At their return, up the high strand,Begin, and cease, and then again begin,With tremulous cadence slow, and bringThe eternal note of sadness in. Isn't that just great? The iambic metre is continuing with some more variations, which we needn't go into. And the rhyme is coming more and more to the fore. Just about every line in this section rhymes with another line, but it doesn't have a regular pattern. Some of the rhymes are close together, some are further apart. There's only one line in this paragraph that doesn't rhyme, and that's ‘Listen! You hear the grating roar'. If this kind of shifting rhyme pattern reminds you of something you've heard before, you may be thinking all the way back to Episode 34 where we looked at Coleridge's use of floating rhymes in his magical poem ‘Kubla Khan'. And it's pretty evident that Arnold is also casting a spell, in this case to mimic the rhythm of the waves coming in and going out, as they ‘Begin, and cease, and then again begin,'. And then the wonderful last line of the paragraph, as the waves ‘bring / The eternal note of sadness in'. You know, in the heart of the Victorian Age, when the Romantics were still within living memory, poets were still allowed to do that kind of thing. Try it nowadays of course, and the Poetry Police will be round to kick your front door in at 5am and arrest you. Anyway. The next paragraph is a bit of a jump cut: Sophocles long agoHeard it on the Aegean, and it broughtInto his mind the turbid ebb and flowOf human misery; So Arnold, a classical scholar, is letting us know he knows who Sophocles, the ancient Greek playwright was. And he's establishing a continuity across time of people looking out at the sea and thinking these deep thoughts. At this point, Arnold explicitly links the sea and the thinking:                                     weFind also in the sound a thought,Hearing it by this distant northern sea. And the thought that we hear when we listen to the waves is what Arnold announces in the next verse paragraph, and he announces it with capital letters: The Sea of FaithWas once, too, at the full, and round earth's shoreLay like the folds of a bright girdle furled. And for a modern reader, I think this is the point of greatest peril for Arnold, where he's most at risk of losing us. We may be okay with ‘the eternal note of sadness', but as soon as he starts giving us the Sea of Faith, we start to brace ourselves. Is this going to turn into a horrible religious allegory, like The Pilgrim's Progress? I mean, it's a short step from the Sea of Faith to the Slough of Despond and the City of Destruction. And it doesn't help that Arnold uses the awkwardly rhyming phrase ‘a bright girdle furled' – that's not going to get past the Poetry Police, is it? But fear not; Arnold doesn't go there. What comes next is, I think, the best bit of the poem. So he says the Sea of Faith ‘was once, too, at the full', and then: But now I only hearIts melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,Retreating, to the breathOf the night-wind, down the vast edges drearAnd naked shingles of the world. Well, if you thought the eternal note of sadness was great, this tops it! It's absolutely fantastic. That line, ‘Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,' where the ‘it' is faith, the Sea of Faith. And the significance of the line is underlined by the fact that the word ‘roar' is a repetition – remember, that one line in the first section that didn't rhyme? Listen! you hear the grating roar See what Arnold did there? He left that sound hovering at the back of the mind, without a rhyme, until it came back in this section, a subtle but unmistakeable link between the ‘grating roar' of the actual sea at Dover Beach, and the ‘withdrawing roar' of the Sea of Faith: Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar, Isn't that the most Victorian line ever? It encapsulates the despair that accompanied the crisis of faith in 19th century England. This crisis was triggered by the advance of modern science – including the discoveries of fossils, evidence of mass extinction of previous species, and the theory of evolution, with Darwin's Origin of Species published in 1859, in between the writing and publication of ‘Dover Beach'. Richard Holmes, in his wonderful new biography of the young Tennyson, compares this growing awareness of the nature of life on Earth to the modern anxiety over climate change. For the Victorians, he writes, it created a ‘deep and existential terror'. One thing that makes this passage so effective is that Arnold has already cast the spell in the first verse paragraph, hypnotising us with the rhythm and rhyme, and linking it to the movement of the waves. In the second paragraph, he says, ‘we find also in the sound a thought'. And then in the third paragraph, he tells us the thought. And the thought that he attaches to this movement, which we are by now emotionally invested in, is a thought of such horror and profundity – certainly for his Victorian readers – that the retreat of the sea of faith really does feel devastating. It leaves us gazing down at the naked shingles of the world. The speaker is now imaginatively out of the bedroom and down on the beach. This is very relatable; we've all stood on the beach and watched the waves withdrawing beneath our feet and the shingle being left there. It's an incredibly vivid evocation of a pretty abstract concept. Then, in the fourth and final verse paragraph, comes a bit of a surprise: Ah, love, let us be trueTo one another! Well, I for one was not expecting that! From existential despair to an appeal to his beloved. What a delightful, romantic (with a small ‘r') response to the big-picture, existential catastrophe. And for me, it's another little echo of Shakespeare's Sonnet 60, which opens with a poet contemplating the sea and the passing of time and feeling the temptation to despair, yet also ends with an appeal to the consolation of love: And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,blockquotePraising thy worth, despite his cruel hand. Turning back to Arnold. He says ‘let us be true / To one another'. And then he links their situation to the existential catastrophe, and says this is precisely why they should be true to each other: for the world, which seemsTo lie before us like a land of dreams,So various, so beautiful, so new,Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light,Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; It sounds, on the face of it, a pretty unlikely justification for being true to one another in a romantic sense. But actually, this is a very modern stance towards romantic love. It's like the gleam of light that just flashed across the Channel from France – the idea of you and me against an unfeeling world, of love as redemption, or at least consolation, in a meaningless universe. In a world with ‘neither joy, nor love, nor light,' our love becomes all the more poignant and important. Of course, we could easily object that, regardless of religious faith, the world does have joy and love and light. His very declaration of love is evidence of this. But let's face it, we don't always come to poets for logical consistency, do we? And we don't have to agree with Matthew Arnold to find this passage moving; most of us have felt like this at some time when we've looked at the world in what feels like the cold light of reality. He evokes it so vividly and dramatically that I, for one, am quite prepared to go with him on this. Then we get the final three lines of the poem:We are here as on a darkling plainSwept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,Where ignorant armies clash by night. I don't know about you, but I find this a little jarring in the light of what we've just heard. We've had the magnificent description of the sea and its effect on human thought, extending that into the idea of faith receding into illusion, and settling on human love as some kind of consolation for the loss of faith. So why do we need to be transported to a windswept plain where armies are clashing and struggling? It turns out to be another classical reference, to the Greek historian Thucydides' account of the night battle of Epipolae, where the two armies were running around in the dark and some of them ended up fighting their own side in the confusion. I mean, fine, he's a classical scholar. And obviously, it's deeply meaningful to him. But to me, this feels a little bit bolted on. A lot of people love that ending, but to me, it's is not as good as some of the earlier bits, or at least it doesn't quite feel all of a piece with the imagery of the sea. But overall, it is a magnificent poem, and this is a small quibble. Stepping back, I want to have another look at the poem's form, specifically the meter, and even more specifically, the irregularity of the meter, which is quite unusual and actually quite innovative for its time. As I've said, it's in iambic meter, but it's not strictly iambic pentameter. You may recall I did a mini series on the podcast a while ago looking at the evolution of blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, from Christopher Marlowe and Shakespeare's dramatic verse, then Milton's Paradise Lost and finally Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey. ‘Dover Beach' is rhymed, so it's not blank verse, but most of the techniques Arnold uses here are familiar from those other poets, with variations on the basic rhythm, sometimes switching the beats around, and using enjambment and caesura (a break or pause in the middle of the line). But, and – this is quite a big but – not every line has five beats. The lines get longer and shorter in an irregular pattern, apparently according to Arnold's instinct. And this is pretty unusual, certainly for 1851. It's not unique, we could point to bits of Tennyson or Arthur Hugh Clough for metrical experiments in a similar vein, but it's certainly not common practice. And I looked into this, to see what the critics have said about it. And it turns out the scholars are divided. In one camp, the critics say that what Arnold is doing is firmly in the iambic pentameter tradition – it's just one more variation on the pattern. But in the other camp are people who say, ‘No, this is something new; this is freer verse,' and it is anticipating free verse, the non-metrical poetry with no set line lengths that came to be the dominant verse form of the 20th century. Personally, I think you can look back to Wordsworth and see a continuity with his poetic practice. But you could equally look forward, to a link with T. S. Eliot's innovations in ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' and The Waste Land. Eliot is often described as an innovator in free verse, which is true up to a point, but a lot of his writing in that early period isn't strictly free verse; it's a kind of broken up metrical verse, where he often uses an iambic metre with long and short lines, which he varies with great intuitive skill – in a similar manner to Arnold's ‘Dover Beach'. Interestingly, when ‘Dover Beach' was first published, the reviews didn't really talk about the metre, which is ammunition for the people who say, ‘Well, this is just a kind of iambic pentameter'. Personally, I think what we have here is something like the well-known Duck-Rabbit illusion, where you can look at the same drawing and either see a duck or a rabbit, depending how you look at it. So from one angle, ‘Dover Beach' is clearly continuing the iambic pentameter tradition; from another angle, it anticipates the innovations of free verse. We can draw a line from the regular iambic pentameter of Wordsworth (writing at the turn of the 18th and 19th century) to the fractured iambic verse of Eliot at the start of the 20th century. ‘Dover Beach' is pretty well halfway between them, historically and poetically. And I don't think this is just a dry technical development. There is something going on here in terms of the poet's sense of order and disorder, faith and doubt. Wordsworth, in the regular unfolding of his blank verse, conveys his basic trust in an ordered and meaningful universe. Matthew Arnold is writing very explicitly about the breakup of faith, and we can start to see it in the breakup of the ordered iambic pentameter. By the time we get to the existential despair of Eliot's Waste Land, the meter is really falling apart, like the Waste Land Eliot describes. So overall, I think we can appreciate what a finely balanced poem Arnold has written. It's hard to categorise. You read it the first time and think, ‘Oh, right, another conventional Victorian melancholy lament'. But just when we think he's about to go overboard with the Sea of Faith, he surprises us and with that magnificent central passage. And just as he's about to give in to despair, we get that glimmering spark of love lighting up, and we think, ‘Well, maybe this is a romantic poem after all'. And maybe Arnold might look at me over his spectacles and patiently explain that actually, this is why that final metaphor of the clashing armies is exactly right. Friend and foe are running in first one direction, then another, inadvertently killing the people on the wrong side. So the simile gives us that sense of being caught in the cross-currents of a larger sweep of history. With all of that hovering in our mind, let's go over to the window once more and heed his call to listen to the sound of the Victorian sea at Dover Beach. Dover Beach By Matthew Arnold The sea is calm tonight.The tide is full, the moon lies fairUpon the straits; on the French coast the lightGleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!Only, from the long line of sprayWhere the sea meets the moon-blanched land,Listen! you hear the grating roarOf pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,At their return, up the high strand,Begin, and cease, and then again begin,With tremulous cadence slow, and bringThe eternal note of sadness in. Sophocles long agoHeard it on the Aegean, and it broughtInto his mind the turbid ebb and flowOf human misery; weFind also in the sound a thought,Hearing it by this distant northern sea. The Sea of FaithWas once, too, at the full, and round earth's shoreLay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.But now I only hearIts melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,Retreating, to the breathOf the night-wind, down the vast edges drearAnd naked shingles of the world. Ah, love, let us be trueTo one another! for the world, which seemsTo lie before us like a land of dreams,So various, so beautiful, so new,Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light,Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain;And we are here as on a darkling plainSwept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,Where ignorant armies clash by night. Matthew Arnold Matthew Arnold was a British poet, critic, and public intellectual who was born in 1822 and died in 1888. His father was Thomas Arnold, the famed headmaster of Rugby School. Arnold studied Classics at Oxford and first became known for lyrical, melancholic poems such as ‘Dover Beach', ‘The Scholar-Gipsy', and ‘Thyrsis', that explore the loss of faith in the modern world. Appointed an inspector of schools, he travelled widely and developed strong views on culture, education, and society. His critical essays, especially Culture and Anarchy, shaped debates about the role of culture in public life. Arnold remains a central figure bridging Romanticism and early modern thought. A Mouthful of Air – the podcast This is a transcript of an episode of A Mouthful of Air – a poetry podcast hosted by Mark McGuinness. New episodes are released every other Tuesday. You can hear every episode of the podcast via Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite app. You can have a full transcript of every new episode sent to you via email. The music and soundscapes for the show are created by Javier Weyler. Sound production is by Breaking Waves and visual identity by Irene Hoffman. A Mouthful of Air is produced by The 21st Century Creative, with support from Arts Council England via a National Lottery Project Grant. Listen to the show You can listen and subscribe to A Mouthful of Air on all the main podcast platforms Related Episodes Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold Episode 87 Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold Mark McGuinness reads and discusses ‘Dover Beach' by Matthew Arnold.Poet Matthew ArnoldReading and commentary by Mark McGuinnessDover Beach By Matthew Arnold The sea is calm tonight.The tide is full, the moon lies... Recalling Brigid by Orna Ross Orna Ross reads and discusses ‘Recalling Brigid’ from Poet Town. 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In this episode, Tina chats with Dr. Maria Sophocles, a board-certified OBGYN who specializes in gynecology, menopause, and sexual health. They dive into the often-overlooked topic of sex and pleasure in midlife, including Dr. Sophocles' concept of the “bedroom gap” and her upcoming book. They talk about the physical changes that affect libido, how to communicate with your partner, and which treatments are safe and effective for improving sexual health. Dr. Sophocles shares practical tips for reclaiming sexual pleasure and why it's so important for overall health and well-being. Here's what you'll learn: - The surprising reasons midlife women lose desire and why it's not your fault - The real definition of “the bedroom gap” and why it widens after 40 - The silent sexual symptoms of perimenopause most women don't recognize - How weight changes, energy dips, and body confidence affect your sex life - Why communication about sex is so hard and how to start conversations - The evidence-based treatments that actually improve libido and sexual function - What every woman should know about midlife sexual health but isn't told - Dr. Sophocles' biggest hope for women reading The Bedroom Gap The Bedroom Gap: Rewrite the Rules and Roles of Sex in Midlife: https://rstyle.me/+ilXbuSJ9Aco5gBQ8yruUZw Get Vyleesi /PT-141: https://elliemd.com/sexual-health?bp=tinahaupert Connect with Tina Haupert: https://carrotsncake.com/ Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake Instagram: @carrotsncake https://www.instagram.com/carrotsncake YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake About Tina Haupert: Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N' Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P). Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals. Connect with Dr. Maria Sophocles https://mariasophoclesmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-sophocles-591a8b10/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoad996Gk-PwijqRziGX5g About Dr. Maria Sophocles: Dr. Maria Sophocles has been at the forefront of women's healthcare for 30 years, bringing an unparalleled depth of knowledge, compassion, and innovation to her practice. From her academic roots at Duke University and Jefferson Medical College to her groundbreaking work at Women's Healthcare of Princeton, Dr. Sophocles is a vanguard in menopause management and female sexual health. Explore her journey, accolades, and contributions to global women's healthcare.

In this episode of Half Hour, we take a deeper dive into the 2025 Broadway production of Oedipus at Studio 54, directed by Robert Icke and starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. We break down the plot and concept, looking at how the production reframes Sophocles' tragedy as an election-night political drama and what that does to the story's sense of inevitability and fate. The conversation covers the direction and translation, the use of contemporary political language, and how the staging shapes the tension of the evening. We discuss the scene work, highlight standout moments from Strong and Manville, and consider whether modernizing a classic in this way clarifies or complicates its themes. We also speculate on where this production might go after its New York run and what it suggests about the future of updating Greek tragedy for Broadway audiences.  Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the comments on Spotify, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show conversations, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Author Events Series presents The Aeneid: Translating the Classics with Emily Wilson, Scott McGill, and Susannah Wright Crafted during the reign of Augustus Caesar at the outset of the Roman Empire, Virgil's Aeneid is a tale of thrilling adventure, extreme adversity, doomed romance, fateful battles, and profound loss. Through its stirring account of human struggle, meddling gods, and conflicting destinies, the poem brings to life the triumphs and trials that led to one of the most powerful societies the world has ever known. Unlike its Homeric predecessors, which arose from a long oral tradition, the Aeneid was composed by a singular poetic genius, and it has ever since been celebrated as one of the greatest literary achievements of antiquity. This exciting new edition of the Aeneid, the first collaborative translation of the poem in English, is rendered in unrhymed iambic pentameter, the English meter that corresponds best, in its history and cultural standing, to Virgil's dactylic hexameter. Scott McGill and Susannah Wright achieve an ideal middle ground between readability and elevation, engaging modern readers with fresh, contemporary language in a heart-pounding, propulsive rhythm, while also preserving the epic dignity of the original. The result is a brisk, eminently approachable translation that captures Virgil's sensitive balance between celebrating the Roman Empire and dramatizing its human costs, for victors and vanquished alike. This Aeneid is a poem in English every bit as complex, inviting, and affecting as the Latin original. With a rich and informative introduction from Emily Wilson, maps drawn especially for this volume, a pronunciation glossary, genealogies, extensive notes, and helpful summaries of each book, this gorgeous edition of Rome's founding poem will capture the imaginations and stir the souls of a new generation of readers. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been named a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome in Renaissance and early modern studies, a MacArthur Fellow, and a Guggenheim Fellow. In addition to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, she has also published translations of Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca. She lives in Philadelphia. Scott McGill is Deedee McMurtry Professor in Humanities at Rice University. He lives in Houston, Texas. Susannah Wright is an assistant professor of classical studies and Roman history at Rice University. She lives in Houston, Texas. Because you love Author Events, please make a donation when you register for this event to ensure that this series continues to inspire Philadelphians. Books will be available for purchase at the library on event night! All tickets are non-refundable. (recorded 10/14/2025)

Menopause expert Dr. Maria Sophocles explains why women approaching menopause may avoid sex, and how to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms — even if your doctor dismisses your concerns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I am joined by the incredible Dr Maria Sophocles and I could not be more excited. She is a nationally recognized menopause expert an author a sought after public speaker and a fierce advocate for womens sexual health. Her new book The Bedroom Gap is coming soon and her work has supported thousands of women in understanding their bodies with more confidence and care. I am so ready to share this conversation with you!In this episode:Why so many women feel pressure around sexWhat begins to shift in perimenopauseHow desire can change at any ageWhy pain with sex is common but never normalThe role of hormones in vaginal comfortGuidance on hormone therapy choicesThe difference between bioidentical and non bioidentical hormonesHow to talk to a partner with curiosity instead of shameSimple first steps for anyone wanting better midlife sexual healthThank you so much for listening!  Don't forget to share on your social media and tag me if you loved this episode!Connect with MariaWebsite: MariaSophoclesmd.comInstagram: @MariaSophoclesmdSupport the showConnect with Rachel!Instagram: @The_Rachel_MaineWebsite: https://linktr.ee/WellnessSexpertiseYouTube: YouTube.com/@OwningYourSexualSelfFacebook: Rachel MaineEmail: therachelmaine@gmail.com

Book a Discovery Call for Relationship Renovation CoachingOr email us directly at coaching@relationshiprenovation.com with the subject line “Couples Coaching Application.” Order Relationship Renovation at Home Manual from AmazonJoin Our Patreon CommunityTake the Emotional Safety Assessment QuizIn this episode of the Relationship Renovation Podcast, hosts EJ and Tarah Kerwin sit down with renowned OB/GYN Dr. Maria Sophocles to unpack the truth about menopause, hormones, and how they shape sexual health, intimacy, and relationship wellness. With nearly three decades of experience and a global reputation for advancing women's care, Dr. Sophocles sheds light on why so many women feel unseen and unsupported during perimenopause, low libido, and the “bedroom gap” that can grow between partners in midlife.The conversation blends science, empathy, and practical solutions—covering everything from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and CO₂ laser treatments to the emotional impact of hormonal shifts and the cultural “pink tax” on women's wellness.Whether you're a woman navigating change, a partner trying to understand, or a couple feeling distant, this episode offers hope, clarity, and tools to rebuild connection, safety, and vibrant intimacy. Listen in and feel empowered to advocate for your body, your pleasure, and your relationship.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Dr. Maria Sophocles is as a board-certified gynecologist, sex therapist, leading menopause expert, and a popular TED talk speaker. She has taught clinicians this technology on five continents. Her Princeton clinic and virtual practice serves 30,000 women in the US and globally. Dr. Sophocles is currently working on a documentary about sex and menopause and developing a health clinic in rural Kenya. In this episode, Dr. Sophocles discusses the lack of conversation around women's sexual health, and provides insightful information on hormone replacement therapy around menopause. RESOURCES: Learn more about Dr. Sophocles here: https://mariasophoclesmd.com Her viral TED talk with 1.2M+ views: https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_sophocles_what_happens_to_sex_in_midlife_a_look_at_the_bedroom_gap?language=en Instagram: @mariasophoclesmd Pre-order her book The Bedroom Gap on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/48X1XYk Get 15% off Peluva minimalist shoe with coupon code COACHTARA here: http://peluva.com/coachtara CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 5:21 Lack of attention in the area of vaginal health 9:52 Shame around sex 11:20 When estrogen goes away 16:40 Systemic HRT 18:00 Bioidentical hormones 21:35 Blood work & pellets 26:00 Dr Sophocles' approach to estrogen & progesterone decline 31:40 What women on HRT can experience 35:20 Separate vaginal and systemic estrogen for cancer patients 37:20 Libido and estrogen, testosterone 40:25 Brain in perimenopause 44:42 Where to learn more from Dr. Maria Sophocles 46:01 "The Bedroom Gap" Book WORK WITH TARA: Are You Looking for Help on Your Wellness Journey? Here's how Tara can help you: TRY COACH TARA APP FOR FREE: http://taragarrison.com/app LEVEL UP PROGRAM: http://taragarrison.com/level-up INDIVIDUAL ONLINE COACHING: https://www.taragarrison.com/work-with-me CHECK OUT HIGHER RETREATS: https://www.taragarrison.com/retreats SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram @coachtaragarrison TikTok @coachtaragarrison Facebook @coachtaragarrison Pinterest @coachtaragarrison INSIDE OUT HEALTH PODCAST SPECIAL OFFERS: ☑️ Upgraded Formulas Hair Test Kit Special Offer: https://bit.ly/3YdMn4Z ☑️ Upgraded Formulas - Get 15% OFF Everything with Coupon Code INSIDEOUT15: https://upgradedformulas.com/INSIDEOUT15 ☑️ Rep Provisions: Vote for the future of food with your dollar! And enjoy a 15% discount while you're at it with Coupon Code COACHTARA: https://bit.ly/3dD4ZSv If you loved this episode, please leave a review! Here's how to do it on Apple Podcasts: Go to Inside Out Health Podcast page: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-out-health-with-coach-tara-garrison/id1468368093 Scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section. Tap 'Write a Review' (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you!

View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Maria Sophocles discusses The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause with Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]   Podcast Highlights       ____________________________________________________________________ Dr. Maria Sophocles is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in women's health across the lifespan.  She is the Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton www.princetongyn.com and she is the author of a forthcoming book, “The Bedroom Gap,” on sex in midlife.  Dr. Sophocles is also the CMO of EMBR Labs, a Boston-based wellness device company EMBRLabs.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Did you know there's a trillion-dollar gender gap in healthcare research—and it's leaving women in midlife at a disadvantage when it comes to sexual health, hormones, and overall wellbeing? On this episode of The Period Whisperer Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maria Sophocles, board-certified OBGYN, women's health advocate, and viral TED speaker, to tackle the “bedroom gap” in perimenopause and menopause.We discuss why women's sexual health is under-researched, how hormonal shifts in midlife impact libido, intimacy, and pleasure, and what women can actually do to close the gap and reclaim a fulfilling sex life. As a menopause and sexual health expert, I bring evidence-based guidance, separating fact from fear so women can take charge of their hormonal health and intimacy.Key Takeaways:The gendered healthcare gap: why women are underrepresented in research and how it impacts sexual health in midlife.Understanding the bedroom gap in perimenopause and menopause, including the hormonal and physiological factors involved.Actionable strategies women can use to boost libido, intimacy, and confidence, even in midlife.If you're ready to understand your body, reclaim your sexual health, and close the bedroom gap, this episode is packed with insight, education, and empowerment.➡️ Ready to feel like a 10 again?Book a call to discover your personalized path back to deep sleep, steady energy, and hormonal harmony in a body that you love. Learn More From Maria Here:Instagram: @mariasophoclesmd Website: mariasophoclesmd.comTed Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_sophocles_what_happens_to_sex_in_midlife_a_look_at_the_bedroom_gap The Bedroom Gap Book

JAKE ARNOTT chats to Paul Burke about his new novel Blood Rival, Sophocles, Family, noir, tragedy, Blue Lights, Jim Thompson, James Ellroy, Cathi Unsworth, The Responder.BLOOD RIVAL It happened at a place where three roads meet. Junction 1A of the M25, heading east towards Gravesend. There's a killer on the road.Lee Royle, the notorious ‘King of Kent', is dead, killed in a brutal act of road rage. But was this a random attack, or was it a premeditated move in a deadly game of betrayal and revenge?Three lives are set on a collision course: Jo Royle, Lee's disillusioned and embittered wife, hiding secrets that could kill; Eddie Pierce, Jo's ambitious new lover, determined to move up the criminal ranks; and Commander Ray Spinks, a corrupt cop with his own claim on Lee's legacy -and no intention of letting it slip through his fingers.Caught between lust and loyalty, ambition and guilt, each will risk everything to uncover or bury the explosive truth behind Lee's death. Because this wasn't just a murder. It was a reckoning.Blood Rival is a modern retelling of an ancient story, where Greek tragedy meets neo-noir. A compulsive psychological thriller of forbidden desire, family secrets and fatal ambition.Jake Arnott was born in 1961, and lives in London. He is the author of the THE LONG FIRM, published by Sceptre in 1999 and subsequently made into an acclaimed BBC TV series. His second novel, HE KILLS COPPERS, was also made into a series by Channel 4. He has since published the novels TRUECRIME, JOHNNY COME HOME, THE DEVIL'S PAINTBRUSH, THE HOUSE OF RUMOUR, THE FATAL TREE and now BLOOD FEVER.Paul Burke edits Aspects of Crime Magazine and writes for Crime Time, Crime Fiction Lover and the European Literature Network, Punk Noir Magazine (fiction contribution). He is also a CWA Historical Dagger Judge 2025. His first book An Encyclopedia of  Spy Fiction will be out 2026.Produced by Junkyard DogCrime TimeCrime Time FM is the official podcast ofGwyl Crime Cymru Festival 2023 & 2025CrimeFest 2023CWA Daggers 2023 & 2024 & National Crime Reading Month& Newcastle Noir 2023 and 20242024 Slaughterfest,

We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric. To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don't forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series and courses now available in our Patreon Shop!

We are into week 2 of the new format for the podcast, where I come to you three times each week, as opposed to just one time. Last week, we focused on the theme of Change, since I was changing up the show.This week, we move into the concept of Hard Work. I have three short, but powerful, quotes for you from some of the big names of the past. Enjoy!For more information to help you on your road to becoming your best, check us out at SlamDunkSuccess.com or email me at scott@slamdunksuccess.com.As always, our background music is "Dance in the Sun" by Krisztian Vass.

Sophocles' play Antigone was originally performed around 441 B.C.E., but the themes in the play still resonate today. This hour, we revisit the story of Antigone, and ask what it can teach us about compromise, wisdom, extremism, grief, and more. Plus, a look at how modern productions are exploring new ways for audiences to engage with the ancient Greek tragedy. GUESTS: Elizabeth Bobrick: A Visiting Scholar in Wesleyan’s Department of Classical Studies. She also teaches for Wesleyan’s Center for Prison Education. Her Substack is “This Won’t End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy,” and her writing has also appeared in The New York Times and Salon Bryan Doerries: A writer, director, and translator who currently serves as Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions. He is author of The Theater of War: What Ancient Greek Tragedies Can Teach Us Today, among other books Anna Conser: Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Short, Daring Life of Thomas Watson On this day in Tudor history, 26 September 1592, poet and translator Thomas Watson was buried at St Bartholomew-the-Less. You may not know his name, but in Elizabethan circles he was the rule-bender who wrote 18-line “sonnets”, carried letters for Sir Francis Walsingham, supplied lyrics for William Byrd, and once landed in prison after stepping between Christopher Marlowe and a blade. I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author. In this episode you'll discover: Hekatompathia (1582): the 100-poem love sequence with 18-line “sonnets” Watson the Latinist: Petrarch, Sophocles' Antigone, Amyntas & Amintae gaudia Music & verse: his words for Byrd and Englishings of Italian madrigals The 1589 brawl with Marlowe & William Bradley: wound, death, and a self-defence pardon Final years, plague-time death, and The Tears of Fancie (1593) Where to start reading: dip into Hekatompathia for the form-breaking love poems, then try The Tears of Fancie to hear his later English voice. Question for you: Had you heard of Watson before? Which Elizabethan poet deserves more attention? If you enjoyed this “On This Day,” please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor & Elizabethan deep dives.     #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #Elizabethan #ThomasWatson #ChristopherMarlowe #Walsingham #WilliamByrd #RenaissancePoetry #Sonnets #LondonHistory #EarlyModern #EnglishLiterature  

What is the story behind the writing of Oedipus, the notorious king of Thebes who murdered his father and unwittingly married his mother? Was it based on a real historical event? What are Oedipus' cursed mythic origins in Thebes? Who was Sophocles, the legendary Greek playwright? Why was the play a product of 5th century Athens; its rivalries with other greek city states such as Thebes, a raging plague, and the tyrant Pericles? What horrifying events unfold in Oedipus? It is the greatest tragedy of all time? And, how did it later come to influence Sigmund Freud's unnerving interpretation of the deepest desires of the  subconscious….?  Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss one of the most famous Greek myths of all time: Oedipus; unravelling this disturbing tragedy, delving into its meaning today, and exploring the historical context behind it all.  ______ Try Adobe Express for free now at https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/spotlight/designwithexpress?sdid=HM85WZZV&mv=display&mv2=ctv or by searching in the app store. Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway ______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude  Video Producer: Jack Meek Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Great sex doesn't just happen, it's something we build and nurture over time. This week, we're joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles, a nationally recognized OB-GYN, menopause and sexual health expert, and fierce advocate for women's pleasure. She's here to talk about why rethinking sex in your 20s and 30s is the key to having great sex for life, how to close the “bedroom gap,” and why better sex education matters for every generation. Why your 20s and 30s set the stage for lifelong sexual health. Dr. Sophocles explains how your early approach to intimacy impacts desire, connection, and pleasure as you age. The bedroom gap and why it matters. Learn what the bedroom gap is, why women are most impacted, and how we can close it. The missing piece in most sex education. We talk about why traditional sex ed focuses on fear instead of pleasure and how that leaves us unprepared. How to rethink sex as a skill you can grow. From communication to curiosity, Dr. Sophocles shows us why sex isn't static and how it can keep evolving. The role of menopause in sexual health. Understand how desire and arousal change in midlife and what support actually works. Why talking about sex matters. Breaking down shame and silence is the first step toward better intimacy and pleasure. Practical steps for better sex at any age. Dr. Sophocles shares accessible tips for people to feel more confident and connected in the bedroom. Connect with Dr. Sophocles: Preorder "The Bedroom Gap" HERE! On Instagram On her website ⁠⁠Join our Patreon and access exclusive content HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello to you listening in Hamburg, Germany!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.  We are living in a time of historic upheaval. But what if this currently confusing, chaotic, confounding, cultural churn is stumbling toward change that reveals the hidden roots of social injustice for what they are so that we can reconfigure for good?How easily the safeguards can be leaped. And they have been. We can clutch our pearls and bemoan the times we live in; or, we can invite our feelings of hopelessness to give way to action, to repair, restore, and renew out of the ashes of the old ways. We are responsible for making change because we're the only “sentient force” that can.Question: What one small grand gesture are you committed to take on behalf of what you love and care for?These words from the Irish poet Seamus Heaney may motivate and sustain you wherever your feet touch the ground, whatever progress you are intent on making today.    “History says, Don't hopeOn this side of the grave...But then, once in a lifetimeThe longed-for tidal waveOf justice can rise upAnd hope and history rhyme.” [“The Cure at Troy” Seamus Heaney]BONUS: Seamus Heaney reads his poem, The Cure at TroyThe Cure at Troy (full text)"Human beings sufferThey torture one another,They get hurt and get hard.No poem or play or songCan fully right a wrongInflicted and endured. The innocent in gaolsBeat on their bars together.A hunger-striker's fatherStands in the graveyard dumb.The police widow in veilsFaints at the funeral home. History says, Don't hopeOn this side of the grave…But then, once in a lifetimeThe longed-for tidal waveOf justice can rise up,And hope and history rhyme. So hope for a great sea-changeOn the far side of revenge.Believe that a further shoreIs reachable from here.Believe in miraclesAnd cures and healing wells. Call miracle self-healing:The utter, self-revealingDouble-take of feeling.If there's fire on the mountainOr lightning and stormAnd a god speaks from the sky That means someone is hearingThe outcry and the birth-cryOf new life at its term.It means once in a lifetimeThat justice can rise upAnd hope and history rhyme. [From "The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles' Philoctetes"]You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

ASPASIA A peaceful mountain village in 1990s Crete. Katerina is an American who lives a tranquil life with her husband Dimitris and their daughter Aspasia. But when Dimitris leaves to work on a cargo ship, a terrible secret shatters Katerina's world. Suddenly, life in the village turns claustrophobic, threatening both Aspasia's safety and Katerina's sanity. Drawing inspiration from Sophocles' timeless play Antigone, Aspasia is a gripping tale of two shocking crimes. The novel delves into the depths of a mother's love and the extraordinary lengths one woman will go to safeguard her child. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The story and inspiration behind Aspasia – including Florence's time in Crete, the “village secret,” and how another novel influenced her to give her character a different kind of ending. The meaning of the name Aspasia – its personal, historical, and symbolic significance, and why she chose it for the book. Katerina's perspective as an outsider and a mother – her integration into village life, her strength and vulnerability, and how she reacts differently from the community. Themes of secrets, silence, and power – including the role of Christos, how fear and routine shift after the secret is revealed, and the tension between what's spoken and unspoken. Florence's writing journey – revisiting a book she began 30 years ago, the evolution of publishing/self-publishing, trigger warnings, and what projects she has coming up next. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Florence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard; the Swedish mystery The Grand Man; and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson's autobiography. Aspasia is her latest novel, published in July 2025.  You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel  

Hormone therapy can feel like one of the most confusing and controversial topics in midlife, but Dr. Maria Sophocles is here to set the record straight. With nearly 30 years of experience in women's health, Dr. Sophocles breaks down the myths, explains the real science, and shares how hormone therapy can not only ease hot flashes, brain fog, and sleep struggles, but also protect your bones, heart, and brain for the decades ahead. We also talk about why menopause has been ignored for so long, the future of treatments like testosterone, and how women can finally reclaim their vitality, confidence, and joy in midlife and beyond.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The truth about hormone therapy and why it's safer than you think Common myths that keep women from getting the care they need How estrogen and progesterone impact long-term health The role of testosterone in women's wellbeing Why better conversations about menopause matter for every woman  

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are joined by Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Joey Spencer to discuss the first part of Plato's Euthyphro—a dialogue on piety.Dr. Spencer is the diocesan Archivist for the Diocese of Tulsa, a tutor in Theology, and an expert in the theology of angels and demons.We discuss the context of the dialogue and move into conversations on piety as a political problem, the role of imitating the divine in Greek religion, an introduction to Plato's Ideas and its reception into Christianity, and even a brief aside on how angels understand Plato's Ideas.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for resources and schedule!Check out our COLLECTION OF WRITTEN GUIDES TO THE GREAT BOOKS.Check out THE ASCENT - a sister publication focusing on Christian spirituality, theosis, and sanctification - how does the soul ascend to God.From the guide:Why should you read the Euthyphro? The Euthyphro is fundamentally “a dialogue about piety,” as Dcn. Harrison Garlick describes it, serving as an exploration of what piety truly means through a conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro. Dr. Frank Grabowski emphasizes its value as “a wonderful introduction to Platonic philosophy, Platonic literature,” highlighting how it features Socrates as the central figure and showcases “the Socratic method” in a clear and engaging way. Moments of “Socratic irony” are also evident, adding depth to understanding Socrates' approach, while the dialogue introduces Plato's search for the Ideas.The dialogue is short and more straightforward, which makes it more ideal for first time readers than say the Republic or the Symposium. Its accessibility lies in its simplicity and a layered narrative, allowing readers to engage at their own intellectual level—focusing initially on key dilemmas but discovering more upon rereading—as Dcn. Harrison Garlick notes that “like most of Plato's narratives, the dialogues... bring layers... you can kind of grow with the text." For many, it's the first Platonic work encountered, often bundled with the Apology, Crito, and Phaedo as depictions of Socrates' last days.What is the historical context for the Euthyphro?The dramatic date of the Euthyphro is right before Socrates' trial and execution in 399 BC. The composition date is estimated at 380 BC, but all composition dates should be accepted lightly. The dialogue takes place outside of the King Archon's court, a remnant of Athens' monarchical past, where a judge adjudicates on religious matters. Plato offers a conversation about piety, within its political context, right before his master is tried and condemned for his impiety. As moderns, we do not see piety as a political virtue, but for the Greeks, piety a virtue of cohesion—it bound together the family, the polis, and the gods into one cosmic whole. It is this three-tiered piety that animated the Iliad, Aeschylus' Oresteia, and Sophocles' Antigone. King Archon's court is significant, because it underscores piety as a “political problem.” Impiety can destabilize the polis. Dr. Spencer suggests that Euthyphro sees Socrates as “being out of place,” which can be read as a euphemism for impiety or religious pollution, i.e., Socrates is the pollution of Athens. The question, however, is what is piety?What is the first...

Welcome to the fifth series in the annual podcast programme from Academic Archers, bringing you papers from our 2024 conference.This episode features a single paper that explores how Aristotle and Greek tragedy continue to shape the drama of Ambridge.Aristotle's Poetics fuel Ambridge Drama - Sally KnightsThis paper demonstrates how The Archers has roots in Greek tragedy, and how knowledge of ancient drama can enrich the listener's appreciation of the programme.Using Aristotle's Poetics, the theatre of Dionysus, and the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, the paper draws clear parallels between Greek theatre and Ambridge. Questions such as “Who is the Ambridge chorus leader?” and “Where do the writers employ deus ex machina?” sit alongside reflections on how pity, fear and family conflict remain central to its storylines.The comic tradition is also considered, with Greek vase imagery of wine festivals providing a striking link to the Grundys and the cider club.Delivered with humour, rhetorical questions, and references to both Greek terms and Ambridge plotlines, this paper shows how ancient and modern drama are closely connected.About the speakerSally Knights taught Classics for 20 years at Filton College, Bristol, including a sabbatical at Newnham College, Cambridge, and also taught at Redland High, Bristol. She has chaired the Bristol Classical Association, supported local schools through the University of Bristol's outreach network, and produced Greek tragedies at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2010 and 2014. Publications include GCSE Classical Civilisation (OUP, 2009) and The World of the Hero (Bloomsbury, 2017). She is now retired and describes herself as an independent scholar.If you enjoy our work and would like to support Academic Archers, you can Buy Us a Coffee  - buymeacoffee.com/academicarchers. 

CW: Slavery (but not racism); Tyrannical Tactics, w/ examples from Hitler, Stalin, etc.Today Professor Kozlowski turns from Plato's Republic to the other great masterpiece of Greek political philosophy - Aristotle's Politics. Typical of Aristotle, we'll discuss his basic assumptions about government, his understanding of different forms of government, and the ways that revolutions, demagogues, and dissension can undermine democracies, oligarchies, and tyrannies. (Or preserve them, if you happen to be a tyrant looking for hints on keeping your crappy government going as long as possible before the inevitable crash.)You can find the full text of Aristotle's Politics for free at: ⁠https://sacred-texts.com/cla/ari/pol/pol05.htm⁠Additional readings include: Sophocles' Antigone, Thucydides' The Peloponnesian War, Plato's Protagoras, and Impressions Games' Zeus + Poseidon for my gamer fans.If you're interested in Professor Kozlowski's other online projects, check out his website: ⁠⁠professorkozlowski.wordpress.com

It's the original psychological thriller, a 2,500-year-old detective story where the hero, in a desperate search for a killer, discovers the criminal is himself. It's Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, and it's one of the most powerful plays ever written. In this episode of English Plus, we unpack the ultimate tragedy: We walk through the suspenseful, masterfully crafted plot. We tackle the big philosophical question: Is our life governed by fate or by free will? We explore key literary concepts like dramatic irony, hubris, and catharsis. We ask why this ancient story of a doomed king still has the power to shock and fascinate us today. This episode is also your guide to more powerful English. We break down 10 essential, advanced vocabulary words and concepts like "paradox," "existential," and "a cautionary tale." Plus, you'll get a practical speaking lesson on the art of "concession" to make your arguments more persuasive. Join us for a deep dive into a cornerstone of literature. To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don't forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series and courses now available in our Patreon Shop!

In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles to break the silence around painful sex, vaginal atrophy, menopause, and the damaging scripts of ‘duty sex'. Dr. Sophocles shares:Why so many women endure painful sex silentlyThe difference between vaginal atrophy, vulvodynia, and other causes of painHow treatments like vaginal estrogen, lubricants, and dilators can helpWhy sexual pain should never define your worth as a partnerThe importance of communication with doctors and partnersHer upcoming documentary HOT! exploring midlife women's sexualityHer personal definition of sex: joy, curiosity, and humorThis episode is a must-listen for any woman wanting to understand her body, break free from shame, and embrace a sex life defined by her own needs and desires.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome02:10 – The Reality of Painful Sex Globally05:50 – Dr. Maria Sophocles' Work & TED Talk Impact09:20 – Mercy Sex, Duty Sex, and The Bedroom Gap14:00 – Why Women Feel Obliged to Endure Pain17:50 – Common Causes of Painful Sex in Midlife21:40 – Treatments: Vaginal Estrogen, Lubricants, Dilators26:10 – How To Talk To Your Doctor About Sex31:30 – Communicating With Your Partner About Pain & Pleasure38:00 – The Importance of Sexual Check-Ins43:20 – Dr. Sophocles' Upcoming Documentary HOT!47:10 – Her Personal Definition of Sex49:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next StepsKaren Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: karen@taboototruth.comWebsite: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastAbout the Guest:Dr. Maria Sophocles has been a leader in women's healthcare for nearly 30 years, specializing in menopause management and female sexual health. She founded Women's Healthcare of Princeton, a progressive gynecology practice, and has been a visiting professor and NIH researcher in Switzerland. A board-certified ob/gyn and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she has pioneered innovative treatments, including CO2 laser therapy for vaginal atrophy. She serves as CMO of EMBR Labs, Director of Women's Health Services for Curia Health, and is an advocate for women's health policy. Dr. Sophocles is also an author, TEDWomen2023 speaker, and frequent media contributor on women's health topics.Connect with Dr. Maria Sophocles:Website: https://mariasophoclesmd.comInstagram:

In Part 2 of our discussion on Homer's Iliad, translator Emily Wilson returns to discuss the red and gold cover design of the Norton Library edition, recount her decision to recreate a new translation of the epic, and give a performance in the original ancient Greek. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been named a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome in Renaissance and early modern studies, a MacArthur Fellow, and a Guggenheim Fellow. In addition to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, she has also published translations of Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca. She lives in Philadelphia.To learn more or purchase a copy of the Norton Library edition of The Iliad, go to https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324102076. Learn more about the Norton Library series at https://wwnorton.com/norton-library.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email us at nortonlibrary@wwnorton.com or find us on Twitter at @TNL_WWN and Bluesky at @nortonlibrary.bsky.social. 

Our Greek Theatre summer continues with the last of the great tragedians, Euripides (c. 480–406 BCE). While less successful than Aeschylus and Sophocles when it came to winning prizes at the Athenian Dionysia, Euripides was more popular in his day—according to the historian Thucydides, Athenian prisoners of war were able to win favors, and sometimes freedom, by reciting his lines to their captors. He has also left us the largest body of work of any of the other tragedy writers. He is known for a more cynical outlook on religion, for his naturalistic dialogue, and as a writer of women with deep characters. This week, we look at The Trojan Women, his portrait of Hecuba and the other royal women of Troy as they wait to learn their fates following the sack of the city by the Greeks—a sequel to the events of Homer's Iliad.Want to read a transcript of this episode? Click here. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating or review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Love Your Life Show, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Maria Sophocles—a women's health and menopause expert on a mission to help us feel empowered and informed during this stage of life. We're busting some of the biggest myths about hormone therapy—like the idea that it causes cancer, leads to weight gain, or isn't safe if you've had blood clots. (Spoiler alert: there's so much more to the story.) Dr. Sophocles also shares something most women never hear—that testosterone is a hormone we need to be talking about, too. This episode is here to help you feel less confused and more confident about your options, your body, and your next steps. You deserve to feel supported and vibrant—not dismissed. Let's walk through this together, warrior.

This episode covers:In this episode, we discuss the truth about hormone replacement therapy, how to prevent UTIs in menopause, why testosterone isn't just for men, and so much more.Dr. Maria Sophocles has been at the forefront of women's healthcare for nearly 30 years, bringing an unparalleled depth of knowledge, compassion, and innovation to her practice. From her academic roots at Duke University and Jefferson Medical College to her groundbreaking work at Women's Healthcare of Princeton, Dr. Sophocles is a vanguard in menopause management and female sexual health. Explore her journey, accolades, and contributions to global women's healthcare.Dr Sophocles is a nationally recognized thought leader in menopause and female sexual function. A frequent panelist and speaker for women's health advocacy, investment, and policy, she marries 29 years of deep vertical clinical experience with broad knowledge in investment and corporate strategy.Links mentioned during this episode:Dr. Sophocles' Website: https://mariasophoclesmd.com/patient-care/Dr. Sophocles' Instagram: @mariasophoclesmd - https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/Dr. Sophocles' TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_sophocles_what_happens_to_sex_in_midlife_a_look_at_the_bedroom_gap?language=enFree Initial Consultation with Dr. Megan: https://p.bttr.to/3a9lfYkLyons' Share Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelyonsshareJoin Megan's Newsletter: www.thelyonsshare.org/newsletter

In Part 1 of our discussion on Homer's Iliad, we welcome translator Emily Wilson to discuss Homer's life as an "author," the meaning of free will in the context of intervention from gods, and how the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus shapes the climax of the epic. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been named a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome in Renaissance and early modern studies, a MacArthur Fellow, and a Guggenheim Fellow. In addition to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, she has also published translations of Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca. She lives in Philadelphia.To learn more or purchase a copy of the Norton Library edition of The Iliad, go to https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324102076.  Learn more about the Norton Library series at https://wwnorton.com/norton-library.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email us at nortonlibrary@wwnorton.com or find us on Twitter at @TNL_WWN and Bluesky at @nortonlibrary.bsky.social. 

Since 1900 or so, anyone trying to engage with Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex has had Sigmund Freud breathing over their shoulders. This episode looks at how Freud, inspired by (and slightly obsessed with) Sophocles' play, concocted a theory that began as a stage of child development but soon expanded to become a universal explanation for all of culture, religion, and art.CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains discussions of sex and sexuality from very early in the runtime (and more than one Hall and Oates reference). Please consider people around you — or your own tolerance for topics like incest and sexual assault — before listening.Want to read a transcript of this episode, or see the reference list? Click here. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone discuss the second and final part of Oedipus at Colonus—wherein Sophocles brings the horrific tale of Oedipus to a beautiful, redemptive end.Deacon and Eli discuss the dramatic zenith of Oedipus' life, the theme of redemptive suffering, the binding power of love, and all the various ways this play comments on the relationships in Antigone and Oedipus Rex.Go visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out this awesome guide to Oedipus at Colonus! Here is the opening of Deacon's guide to Oedipus at Colonus:Oedipus at Colonus is a beautiful tale. It brings a tremendous amount of meaning to the Oedipus Cycle. Sophocles offers us perennial truths on fate, the agency of man, and the cosmic whole. I greatly enjoyed, as a first time reader, the narrative of Oedipus at Colonus—especially the ending. It is a tremendous zenith to the Oedipus Cycle and one that parallels the Book of Job in its ability to address the question of suffering.Oedipus at Colonus remains an important text within the Western canon of great books, as it is a beautiful antecedent to how later thinkers, like St. Augustine, will come to understand the world as subject to Divine Providence. Sophocles offers several preliminary considerations on whether the fate that rules the world does so according to justice; and whether man must adopt a certain docility in consideration of such a fate. The balance, however, of man's agency and fate's dominion is a perennial question.I am in debt to Mr. Eli Stone who not only guided me through this work but highly recommended the podcast cover the Oedipus Cycle. I very much appreciate his insights and all the wisdom he has brought to our conversations.Amongst all the horrific suffering, Oedipus at Colonus is able to bring a theme of redemption to the story of Oedipus. Like Antigone, he serves as a sign of the gods—a sign of cosmic fate, docility to divine order, and the meaning of suffering. May we come to understand Sophocles' lessons and how they invite us to a more ordered existence.Episode HighlightsRedemptive Death: Dcn. Garlick shares, “I fell in love with this play when Oedipus sees the thunder head rolling in… his ecstatic joy that death comes." Theseus' Nobility: Theseus' interruption of sacrifice to save Oedipus' daughters highlights Athenian justice: “Sojourners… are the special patronage of Zeus." Polyneices' Tragedy: Oedipus' curse on Polyneices sets up Antigone: “Please bury me… we're setting the foundation… for the first play."Love's Role: Antigone's mediation and Oedipus' farewell underscore love's binding power: “She is love and love binds," as Deacon note.Guest Spotlight: Eli StoneEli Stone returns, bringing his expertise from his time at the Chancery, his discernment with the Western Dominicans, and his current role at the University of Tulsa Honors College. His passion shines through: “These are my favorite Greek plays… I've really enjoyed them." Eli's insights on providence, love, and historical allegory enrich the discussion.Next Episode TeaserNext week, we dive into Euripides' Bacchae, a stark contrast to...

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In this episode of Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and returning guest Eli Stone dive into the first half of Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus, the third play in the Theban cycle by publication order but the second in narrative chronology.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Check out Patreon page for written guides to the great books!Recorded in rural Oklahoma, this episode explores Oedipus' transformation from a cursed exile to a figure of divine significance, set against the backdrop of Athens' post-Peloponnesian War turmoil.The hosts unpack key themes like suffering's pedagogical purpose, the role of prophecy, guest friendship (xenia), and Athenian identity, while reflecting on Sophocles' intent for his audience. Expect a deep dive into the characters of Oedipus, Antigone, Ismene, Creon, and Theseus, with a focus on how their interactions foreshadow the play's redemptive conclusion.Why should you read Oedipus at Colonus part one?Oedipus at Colonus Part 1 offers a compelling entry into Sophocles' profound exploration of suffering, redemption, and divine will, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the human condition through the lens of Greek tragedy.This section introduces Oedipus as a blind exile, transformed by suffering into a figure of spiritual insight—“Oedipus… has this spiritual insight… He is the most lucid he's ever been"—setting the stage for his role as a “sign of both suffering and blessing." Through themes like guest friendship (xenia), the evolving justice of the Eumenides, and the binding power of Antigone's love—Sophocles crafts a narrative that resonates with an Athenian audience grappling with their own post-Peloponnesian War identity, while offering timeless reflections on providence and resilience: “Man is not his own agent… inside a cosmic order." Reading this part immerses you in the tension and anticipation of Oedipus' redemptive arc, preparing you for the transcendent conclusion in Part 2.Check out our written guide for more!Next Episode TeaserJoin us next week for Oedipus at Colonus Part 2, where we'll witness Oedipus' dramatic confrontations with Creon and Polyneices, and the transcendent moment of his death that ties the Theban cycle together.We'll explore how his suffering becomes a blessing for Athens, the role of love as a binding agent, and the historical allegory for an Athenian audience. Deacon Garlick shares, “I fell in love with this play when Oedipus sees the thunder head rolling in… his ecstatic joy that death comes." Don't miss it on Ascend the Great Books Podcast!

Sophocles (496 - 406 BCE) is considered the greatest of the great tragedians of Athens. In this episode, we take a look at his charmed life and at the play which, more than any other, has come to define his legacy: Oedipus Rex, which was probably staged in the 430s or 420s. It's basically a cold-case investigation that goes horribly, horribly wrong for its investigator.Want to read a transcript of this episode and see the reading list Rose used to write it? Click here. Don't forget to rate, review, and share our show if you like it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti discuss Home Fire, a retelling of Antigone set in the present day that explores questions of family, loyalty, beliefs, and legacy. We share some background about Sophocles' Antigone to help ground the discussion, discuss the parts of the novel that we loved, and share some of our issues with its construction. And as always, we share book recommendations in our Shelf Discovery segment for readers who liked different aspects of Home Fire.Shelf Discovery:The Other Americans by Laila LalamiCirce by Madeline MillerSong of Achilles by Madeline MillerThe Penelopiad by Margaret AtwoodA Woman Is No Man by Etaf RumThe Dream Hotel by Laila LalamiEnter Ghost by Isabella HammadIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aristotle said Oedipus the King was the best tragedy. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Eli Stone and our friend Josiah to discuss Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) by Sophocles - the second play in the Oedipus cycle or Theban plays.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more!Check out our Patreon for our written guides!Here is a letter Dcn. Garlick wrote to our supporters about Oedipus the King:Oedipus the King is, according to Aristotle, the best of the Greek tragedies. Through Oedipus' own investigation, he comes to understand the horrific truth of his identity—and this leads the reader into marvelous reflection on fate, freedom, self-knowledge, and the cosmic order.Oedipus the King is a play I had to come to appreciate. Unlike Antigone, it is not one I loved at first. In fact, my lackluster appreciation for the play is why I scheduled only one episode discussing it. Over time, however, I matured in my own understanding and see it as an antecedent to the philosophical principle of know thyself. I would suggest one could glean much from comparing Oedipus the King and First Alcibiades by Plato.The drama does have layers for the attentive reader. It presents clearly a question on the interplay of freedom and fate, which is reminiscent of our discussions on the Iliad. Moreover, there is much to consider on the theme of suffering, and how that theme is presented in the Odyssey, the Oresteia, and Oedipus the King. Note that these two concepts are tethered—as the journey to self-knowledge is often an arduous one of suffering and great difficulty. Lastly, the work shines further light onto the mystery that is Antigone.Oedipus the King is without question a tragedy—and one without much hope. The reader must hold for the marvelous redemptive arc of Oedipus at Colonus, which runs parallel to the story of Job yet with its own unique and fascinating character.May Oedipus serve as an icon for what it means to suffer into self-knowledge and the role of such suffering in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.Check our thegreatbookspodcast.com for more!

Host Mitch Jeserich reads excerpts of the Iliad by Homer and translated by Emily Wilson. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been named a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome in Renaissance and early modern scholarship, a MacArthur Fellow, and a Guggenheim Fellow. In addition to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, she has also published translations of Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca. Support KPFA!! Ancient Tales 3-Pack $250 The post The Iliad: War, Rage, and Sorrow appeared first on KPFA.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailAre you feeling uncertain about what's happening to your body during perimenopause and menopause? Are you unsure of whom to trust regarding hormone therapy?In this episode, I talk with Dr. Maria Sophocles, a nationally recognized menopause specialist, OBGYN, and founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton. With nearly 30 years of experience and a deep passion for women's health in midlife, Dr. Sophocles helps clarify the confusion surrounding the latest in menopause research. We discuss why many women miss out on the powerful benefits of hormone replacement therapy due to outdated information. You'll learn about the latest science and treatments for menopause and perimenopause, along with the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).You'll learn:How the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study misinformed the public and created widespread fear, and how recent research has dispelled these misconceptions.Why many women are being told by their doctors to “tough it out”.What the research indicates about HRT and breast cancer risk.How estrogen therapy supports your brain, heart, and bonesThe role of vaginal estrogen minimizing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and enhancing sexual comfort.Why it's not too late to start the treatment of menopause, even if you're in your 60s or 70s.Tips on finding a trained menopause specialist, including options for virtual care.How HRTs can improve sexual wellness in midlife and beyond, helping to close the bedroom gap.If you're in perimenopause or menopause, this conversation is essential for providing the support, insight, and clarity you need. Grab your earbuds and tune in to make your second act more intimate and pleasurable!  Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteDr. Maria SophoclesTED Talk: What happens to sex in midlife? A look at the "bedroom gap"Instagram: @mariasophoclesmdWebsite: mariasophoclesmd.comOther menopause***************************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Does Antigone hold strong until the end? Is Antigone the hero? Today, Dcn. Garlick is joined again by David Niles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the second part of Sophocles' Antigone. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our Patreon page! We appreciate all our supporters.From our guide:15. How does Haemon's interaction with Creon highlight his character and challenge Creon's perspective?Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed, enters around line 700 and is described by David as “one of my favorite characters” for his wisdom and patience, contrasting with Creon's “chaotic” and “irrational” behavior. Haemon employs “masterful rhetoric,” as Dcn. Garlick contends, that balances filial piety with a Socratic challenge to Creon's stubbornness, urging him to reconsider his decree to execute Antigone. He suggests the polis mourns for Antigone, saying, “It's for me to catch the murmurs in the dark, the way the city mourns for this young girl” (ln. 775), undermining Creon's belief that the polis supports him. Dr. Grabowski notes Haemon's “epistemological challenge,” raising “human fallibility” and the “voice of the people” to suggest Creon may have erred. However, Creon's ironic responses, like “Are you coming now raving against your father or do you love me no matter what I do?” (ln. 707), reveal his fixation on his own political authority and the familial piety Haemon owes him. Sophocles makes Creon an incredibly ironic character, who will often advise to others exactly what he himself should be doing.16. How does Creon's character evolve in the latter half of the drama?Creon (arguably) begins the play prioritizing the polis' common good, but in the second half, there is a “shift” toward tyranny as his view becomes myopically focused on his own authority. Initially, he justifies leaving Polyneices unburied as justice for being a traitor, but by line 748, he declares, “The man the city places in authority, his orders must be obeyed, large and small, right and wrong,” signaling a move from considerations of justice to his own authority. The standard by which he makes his decision seems to shift. His question, “Am I to rule this land for others or myself?” (ln. 823), elicits Haemon's rebuke, “It's no city at all owned by one man alone” (ln. 824). Creon's claim, “Show me the man who rules his household well. I'll show you someone fit to rule the state” (ln. 739), is deeply ironic, as he fails to rule his household, foreshadowing his spiral into tragedy. His fixation on anarchy as “a greater crime in all the earth” (ln. 752) over blasphemy further reveals his “blindness” to the divine, cementing his “de-evolution” into tyranny, as Dcn. Garlick notes. Under Creon, the cosmos whole that was first interpreted through the political now seems to simply be reducible to Creon's will. He becomes the tyrant.Check out our guide for more!

I'm reading and talking about Ted Gioia's "Immersive Humanities Course," 52 weeks of World Classics.Ted listed SIX Greek dramas for this week: Bacchae (Euripides), Lysistrata (Aristophanes), Agamemnon (Aeschylus), and the three Theban plays from Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Oedipus in Colonus and Antigone. We discuss how to read drama in general. I tried to read a little bit of background on each play before I dove in. One thing that's easy to forget with Greek drama is that the audience didn't have any spoilers; they knew all of these stories really well. They were there to see HOW it came together. That meant that some of the plot gets treated with shorthand in some ways. I tried to figure out the major players, and how they might have interacted with characters I had met elsewhere. It's astonishing how all of these characters are connected by one or two degrees of separation. Bill and I joke that it feels exactly like when we moved to Charleston a couple of years ago. I swear that every person we meet knows someone else we know through one or two people. It's the strangest thing, and Greek drama is exactly like that.I also flag my books like crazy: one flag for the cast of characters; one for the endnotes; one for a map, even if it's in a different book. As a matter of fact, my Fagles translation of the Odyssey came in handy this week. Not only are there some great maps, there is also a glossary of all the proper names in the Odyssey. Many, many of the characters I came across this week also put in an appearance in the Odyssey.Finally, I kept a brief “plot summary” of each play as I read. Only Bacchae was divided into scenes, but for each play I tried to keep a brief synopsis of the action as I read. This kept me from mixing up characters too much, and also it helped me to get an idea of how the various stories fit together. In addition, I read out loud occasionally, especially if I found myself alone in the house. It's easy to lose the thread of some of these long passages, especially where the chorus has an extended explication of action taking place off stage. Reading out loud helped me capture the rhythm of the language and also the drama of it in a way that reading silently could never do.I started with Euripedes' Bacchae, translated by Paul Woodruff. To be honest, half the reason I bought this edition was that it had Elvis on the cover as Dionysus! Not long after the founding of Thebes, Dionysus appears to bring his cult to the city. Dionysus is a son of Zeus but also the grandson of the founder of Thebes, Cadmus. Dionysus' cousin Pentheus is now king, and he refuses to acknowledge the god-status of Dionysus. Let's just say Pentheus regretted that decision. This play was shockingly brutal to me, even though all the violence always takes place off-stage in a Greek drama. There are ideas of redemption, and lack of it, woven throughout the play. Bacchae left me curious about anything related to the practice of the cult of Dionysus. Apparently the rites were so secret that nothing, not one thing, survives to help us understand what they did.Next I read Aristophanes' Lysistrata. This is a comedy, truly a farce, whose entire plot revolves around the women of Greece coming together to deny all their men sex so they will quit fighting with each other. It is hilarious, and I'd love to see this one performed live. I love a good marriage quote:“No man can live a happy life unless his wife allows it.”—AristophanesHappily, I bought an edition of Lysistrata that also had three other plays translated by Aaron Poochigian. Clouds, in particular, is a send-up of Socrates and that one is...

Antigone is the "dark sign from the gods." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. David Niles of the Catholic Man Show and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the Greek tragedy "Antigone" by Sophocles.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our Patreon for our guide on Antigone!From the guide:This guide, like the podcast conversation, explores Antigone as a profound meditation on piety, justice, and the cosmic order. This guide addresses critical aspects of arguably Sophocles' greatest work, such as: the moral conflict over burying the dead, the contrasting perspectives of Antigone, Ismene, and Creon, and the play's potential as an early articulation of natural law—all while highlighting Sophocles' role as a teacher shaping Greek thought.The guide also moves from Greek notion of piety and justice to comparative Christian ethics. The goal is to help the reader love Antigone and see the cosmic order it reveals through one of the greatest female characters in Western literature.What has occurred just prior to the start of Antigone?Just before the events of Sophocles' Antigone, the city of Thebes has been ravaged by a civil war between Antigone's two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, who are sons of the late Oedipus, the former king. After Oedipus' tragic downfall and death, the brothers were meant to share the throne, but a dispute led to conflict. Eteocles held power in Thebes, while Polyneices, exiled, rallied an army to attack the city and reclaim his right to rule. The brothers met on the battlefield and killed each other in combat, leaving Thebes without a clear ruler. Their uncle, Creon, assumes the throne and declares Eteocles a patriot, granting him a proper burial, while branding Polyneices a traitor, forbidding his burial under penalty of death. This decree sets the stage for the moral and familial conflict at the heart of Antigone, as Antigone and her sister Ismene grapple with the consequences of their brothers' deaths and Creon's edict.What is the central moral conflict introduced at the beginning of Antigone?The central moral conflict revolves around the duty to bury the dead, specifically Antigone's desire to bury her brother, Polyneices, who has been declared a traitor by their uncle, King Creon. Creon decrees that Polyneices' body must remain unburied, to be “torn apart by the dogs, by the birds,” as punishment for his betrayal of Thebes. Antigone, however, sees the burial as a moral obligation, rooted in familial piety and divine law. The burial of the brother, however, is a catalyst to deeper moral concerns, as how to resolve this moral conflict invites the reader to contemplate how the family, polis, and divine all align with one another within the cosmos. It is a question of law, piety, and justice.Check out more on our Patreon!

Menopause isn't just hot flashes, says gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist Maria Sophocles. It's often accompanied by overlooked symptoms like painful sex or loss of libido. Shedding light on what she calls the "bedroom gap," or the difference in sexual expectations of men and women in midlife due to societal norms, Sophocles advocates for education, medical advancement and a new understanding of menopause — because sex should be pleasurable and comfortable for everyone. After the talk, join Shoshana for a conversation with OB/GYN and women's health advocate Dr. Jessica Shepherd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff and Dave wrap up their look at Sophocles' Trachiniae this week, guided along by the inisghts of scholars such as Edwin Carawan and Charles Segal, whom you may remember from such things as what they wrote! Here's the crux of the matter: is the heroine Deianeira just a dopey, duped wallflower, innocently distributing hydra-soaked cardigans to kith and kin? The wronged party, seeking to salvage the remnants of a once healthy marriage? Or, is she actually a calculating, Machiavellian murderess, plotting all along against her rival Iole, more in the mold of Euripides' Medea or Phaedra? And what do we think about Heracles? Villain, hero, both? Along the way, have your imagination stimulated by frequent comparisons to the dynamics of Odysseus' family, the occasional snackish twang, and some free onomastic pointers. And, it's not too late to use coupon code PATRICKS17 or 10plus on the latinperdiem.com site to start your Greek or Latin journey.

A new week means new questions! Hope you have fun with these!Which is Scotland's second-largest city by population?What language was Elizabeth I's coronation primarily conducted in?In astronomy, what name is given to the apparent brightness of a celestial body?This Heartbreaker is Free Fallin' for a traditional afternoon drink and bread meal enjoyed all over the Empire.Greek playwright Sophocles wrote which tragedy about the mythological daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta?What was invented by Hubert Cecil Booth in 1901, an invention that sucked then just like it sucks now?In which city was the yellow cab company founded in 1907?In skiing, the "egg position" is now known as the what position?MusicHot Swing, Fast Talkin, Bass Walker, Dances and Dames, Ambush by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Don't forget to follow us on social media:Patreon – patreon.com/quizbang – Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Check out our fun extras for patrons and help us keep this podcast going. We appreciate any level of support!Website – quizbangpod.com Check out our website, it will have all the links for social media that you need and while you're there, why not go to the contact us page and submit a question!Facebook – @quizbangpodcast – we post episode links and silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Instagram – Quiz Quiz Bang Bang (quizquizbangbang), we post silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Twitter – @quizbangpod We want to start a fun community for our fellow trivia lovers. If you hear/think of a fun or challenging trivia question, post it to our twitter feed and we will repost it so everyone can take a stab it. Come for the trivia – stay for the trivia.Ko-Fi – ko-fi.com/quizbangpod – Keep that sweet caffeine running through our body with a Ko-Fi, power us through a late night of fact checking and editing!

This week the guys begin their look at Sophocles' "Women of Trachis", the one play among the surviving Sophoclean tragedies that scholars have scratched their heads over. The general feeling is that it's underdeveloped, lacking central themes, and  just a mish-mash of other traditions. But is this true? Dave and Jeff explore the play's Herculean mythic background, and some Sophoclean tweaks to see if there might just be some hidden gems here. Note the empathy and heartache of Deianira, balanced by the coldness and suspicion of Heracles. Could it be that the academics were wrong about this one? Shocking, we know. 

Few figures in Greek mythology embody vengeance like Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Betrayal, grief, and justice shaped her tragic fate.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Armand D'Angour to explore Elektra's story and its powerful new London stage production starring Brie Larson. Along the way, they delve into Sophocles' and Euripides' strikingly different portrayals - one noble and resolute, the other bitter and broken - unpacking what these versions reveal about morality, fate, and female agency in the ancient world.See Brie Larson star as Elektra in London's West End: https://www.thedukeofyorks.com/elektraPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

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This episode originally aired in the spring of 2022. Liv speaks with returning guest Amy Pistone who specializing in Sophoclean tragedy. Amy shares some of the complexities hidden within the Trachiniae and they discuss Sophoclean prophecies (ie., the origin of Never Trust the Oracle). Follow Amy on Twitter. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John J. Miller is joined by James Brandon of Hillsdale College to discuss 'Ajax' by Sophocles.