Monroe Doctrine, Grand-Granddaughter, End of an Era
Inspired by ladies at a tea party who queried the meaning of the Monroe Doctrine, the author’s great-granddaughter had much to say of this important document.
Historical Sewing and Time Travels
Category: Homeschooling Rhetoric Stage – 18th Century Style
William Wilberforce dines at home of Lafayette, Abolitionist
We read this great book about William Wilberforce who ended the slave trade in England, with the help of his good friend, William Pitt, the Younger.
Critique of Revolutionary Book about 1750-1783
This expensive book with no previews available was highly recommended by a classical homeschool curriculum. Buying the book, I was shocked by the errors.
The Space Shuttle Flew over our House Today
Surprisingly, we heard that the Space Shuttle Discovery would be piggy-backing on a NASA 747 to Washington DC’s Dulles Airport and we were in the flight path!
Renaissance Masquerade, Commedia dell ‘Arte, and our Masks
At a CW program, I asked him about the history of masquerade, where I learned about Commedia dell ‘Arte, which had its origins in 16th century Italy.
Rhetoric Literature: Ranking our favorite Shakespeare DVDs
Queried by friends who lent us videos, I’ve was asked which was our favorite. Commentary follows of our growing perceptions of Shakespeare favorites.
Rhetoric Literature: Casually performing Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare was meant to be performed, to hear the beautiful language with rhythmic iambic pentameter aka reading his plays is 2D but hearing them is 3D.
Did Shakespeare exit The Tempest with Prospero?
Due to timing of this play in Shakespeare’s final days, some think Prospero represents the Bard ready to retire from the stage.
Rhetoric Literature: King Lear, Cordelia, and Anne Shirley?
1660s England saw Parliament dissolved, their king beheaded, and Oliver Cromwell’s rise to power, and found King Lear too depressing. They needed it tamed.
Rhetoric Literature: Shakespeare, Macbeth, and James I
This tragic psychological play examines a man who seeks political power after hearning a prophecy he’d one day become king, and in the process becomes mad.
