Manish Vaidya A 1899 promissory note from David Jacks to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton of Salinas County, residing within the Steinbeck family archives at Stanford University, presents a compelling point of intersection for archival analysis, historical inquiry, and potential literary connections. This document, beyond its legal function, becomes a tangible artifact of late 19th-century California,…
A Tale of Two Bridges
Papal Power and Public Works in 15th-17th Century Rome Manish Vaidya The Tiber River has been Rome’s lifeline for millennia, and the bridges spanning it are integral to the city’s identity. Each bridge tells a tale of engineering and artistry, intertwined with papal power and political maneuvering that defined the landscape of early modern Rome….
The Enduring and Transformative Power of Nature – A Study of “Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth and “The Yosemite” by John Muir
Despite their different backgrounds and eras, William Wordsworth and John Muir found solace and inspiration in the natural world. They each had a profound, healing connection with nature at a similar young age, and during periods when they had gone through emotional trauma in seeing societies being torn apart by conflict. Beyond solace, each went…
Prague: A Perfect Blend of History, Romance, and Modernity
tl;dr- Prague is a stunning, history-rich, and welcoming city. It’s incredibly affordable, with easy public transportation and plenty of walkable charm. Get to the Charles Bridge early, tour Prague Castle, and don’t miss the Museum of Communism Introduction Prague! A city where Gothic spires pierce the sky, centuries-old bridges span the Vltava River, and cozy…
Book review: Red Heat: Conspiracy, Murder, and the Cold War in the Caribbean by Alex von Tunzelmann
Epic, sweeping & meticulously researched saga An epic, sweeping, and meticulously researched saga recounting the tumultuous 20th-century history of the Caribbean islands. Alex invests a tremendous amount of effort in crafting this historical account for her readers, and it undeniably shines through. I also appreciate her ability to humanize the historical figures rather than reducing…
Metaphors in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and E.T.A Hoffman’s “The Sandman”
Manish Vaidya In “The Metamorphosis”, Franz Kafka employs the literal transformation of Gregor to reflect on his mechanical existence, while in “The Sandman”, E.T.A Hoffmann explores a series of experiences that gradually reduce Nathaniel to an automaton. Both authors explore themes of alienation and identity; however, the literal metaphor of a physical transformation at the…
Pathways to spiritual bliss in “Swallowing the Sun” and “Confessions” (Comparing the spiritual journeys of Rumi & St. Augustine)
by Manish Vaidya Rumi and Augustine both espouse a state of bliss achieved through oneness with the divine, yet their prescribed paths to attain this state are strikingly different. Rumi draws upon Sufi mystic traditions, emphasizing the importance of indulging in dance and music to lose oneself in devotion, thereby incorporating the body into the…
Dante’s Inferno, Canto 1: Poetry as a path to redemption and retribution
Canto 1 of Dante’s Inferno lays the foundation for the entire narrative. It defines the pilgrim’s dark situation at the start of the journey, the various futile paths attempted so far, and the start of the eventual course he will embark upon. The pilgrims’ journey gains credibility via the sequences laid out in this Canto…
Interpretive relationships: Dreams as motifs in The Epic of Gilgamesh
In The Epic of Gilgamesh the relationship between Gilgamesh, and his companion, Enkidu, is deeply intertwined with their dreams. Over the course of the epic, this relationship evolves from that of rivals, to master and servant, to battle ally, to physical companion, and eventually culminating in a deep spiritual connection. Through a series of powerful…
Roots of Greek tragic plays – “Oedipus the king” by Sophocles
“Greek tragedy shows good people being ruined because of things that just happen to them, things that they do not control.” – Martha Nussbaum Response Essay (Based on the play “Oedipus the king” by Sophocles) CHORUS: Pride breeds the tyrant violent pride, gorging, crammed to bursting with all that is overripe and rich with ruin—…