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A look at multimedia adaptations and the literature that inspires them. Season one focuses on the various interpretations of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Season two explores the 1936 play The Women by Clare Boothe Luce and its three cinematic adaptations. Season three channels the virtues of the past by examining Homer's epic poem The Iliad and its diverse adaptations.

Episodes

Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 08: Swords and Sandals

November 21, 2025 | 0 comments

In the penultimate episode of this season, I am joined by Harry “Beep Boop” Chute to discuss the 2004 cinematic epic Troy. Is Troy influenced by the Iraq War? What role does, or should, sex play in an historic retelling? How much screentime is necessary to make a romantic couple believable? Can we become emotionally invested in Patroclus/Achilles if there is #nohomo? Listen and find out. 

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 07: Immigrants and Prodigals

September 26, 2025 | 0 comments

In the seventh episode of this season, I examine the 2018 Netflix and BBC One series Troy: Fall of a City. Can a prodigal be redeemed more than once? How do immigrants add to the glory of Troy? Listen and find out. 

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 06: Italian Retrospective

June 06, 2025 | 0 comments

In the sixth episode of this season, I examine two Italian cinema adaptations of Homer’s Iliad: 1911’s “The Fall of Troy” (La Caduta di Troia) and 1962’s “The Fury of Achilles” (L’ira di Achille). Are the Italians more interested in scale or storytelling? Listen and find out. The conversation on how an Italian treatment on this epic compares with an American one will continue in the season finale.

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 05: The Trojan War: Live

April 11, 2025 | 1 comment

In the fifth episode, and in association with Required Reading and Two True Freaks, I am joined by Tom Panarese as we look at the play “Troilus and Cressida” by William Shakespeare. This is considered a problem play…in more ways than one! How well does the bard balance romance with political intrigue? Listen and find out!

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 04: Horses on the Telly

February 28, 2025 | 2 comments

In the fourth episode, I examine the Trojan War as it appears on two disparate television shows: “Phineas and Ferb” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.” How does a wooden T-Rex relate to the Trojan War? Does Helen actually gain autonomy? Listen and find out!

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 03: Ancient Shipping

January 31, 2025 | 2 comments

In the third episode, I am joined by Professor Carolyn Cocca as we discuss the 2011 novel The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Is the love affair between Achilles (“Best of Greeks”) and Patroclus (“Best of the Myrmidons”) realistic? Listen and find out!

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 02: The OG Iliad Part II

December 20, 2024 | 3 comments

In the second episode, I continue to look at the source material The Iliad by Homer and translated by Emily Wilson. I examine the second act (Books X-XVI) and third act (Books XVII-XXIV) of the story, discussing key or interesting moments after I give a synopsis of each Book. Is Helen, daughter of Zeus, really to blame for the Trojan War? Listen and find out!

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Episode 01: The OG Iliad Part I

November 08, 2024 | 6 comments

In the third season premiere, I look at the source material The Iliad by Homer and translated by Emily Wilson. After providing background on the author, and historical/cultural/mythological context, I run through the major players within the epic. I examine the first act of the story (Books I-IX), discussing key or interesting moments after I give a synopsis of each Book. Is Helen, daughter of Zeus, really to blame for the Trojan War? Listen and find out!

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Dear Reader, Season 3 Promo

August 23, 2024 | 8 comments

DEAR READER, SEASON 3! This season I will wage war with mortals, gods, goddesses, and the Fates themselves by examining Homer’s Iliad and the works it has inspired. 

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Dear Reader, Season 2 Episode 04: Fashionistas

July 14, 2023 | 1 comment

In the fourth episode and season finale, I look at the most recent cinematic adaptation of The Women from 2008. After giving details about the production, I provide some reviews of the film at the time. I also briefly speak about the 1977 adaptation “Frauen in New York,” which I was unable to view.

In the second part of the episode, I am joined by Shayna as we discuss various aspects of the film and ask the big question of whether it is feminist or misogynist. As always, I conclude the discussion with revealing whether the film follows the law or the spirit of The Women.

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