Guiding Principles

• Literature allows us to share our fundamental understanding of reality with others.
  • What does the literature we read teach about people?
  • How can reading literature help us to become better people?
  • What are the responsibilities of leadership?
  • How can we unlock our potential as creators and thinkers?
• There is a reason that some stories seem to be central to a culture.
  • What is it about Oedipus that makes it a story we continue to tell?
  • What makes a good protagonist?
  • What are the essential elements of tragedy?
  • What are the essential elements of poetry?
  • How can ancient literature shine a light on contemporary art, politics, and life?
• When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. -- John F. Kennedy
  • How does creative expression (poetry, fiction, art, etc.) allow people to break bonds of politics and power?
  • Why are intellectuals--writers and thinkers--sometimes imprisoned or killed for their words?
  • What other ways do those in power have to stifle free speech?
  • What is a war of ideas?
• Life isn't always fair.
  • What does Oedipus work for in his kingdom?
  • What do his faults and his strengths teach us about human endeavors?
  • What is a "good person"?
  • How does the dramatic irony in Greek tragedy build suspense in a narrative or empathy in readers/viewers?
  • How does the life of Frederick Douglass shape him as a human being?
  • What does "The Yellow Wallpaper" tell us about women's role in society when it was written and now?
• “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” --William Shakespeare The Tempest
  • In The Tempest, what does Shakespeare say about human potential?
  • What does the play tell us about family?
  • What does the play tell us about power and the use of it?
  • How do we determine unfairness and inequity?
  • How do artists comment on social injustice?

Literature speaks to us; it is vital to take some time out to consider what it is saying.

Communicating with others may be the most important thing we do as humans; therefore, learning to communicate well is an imperative.

Without evidence, arguments are hollow.

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” --Oscar Wilde

Art is a source of joy, and literature is art.

Creativity is to be encouraged and protected, especially when it is just beginning life as a very small flame.

Good art means something to us.