atheism · criticism · Francis Bacon · literature · Northrop Frye · religion · William Butler Yeats

The Melancholy Choice

If men are compelled to make the melancholy choice between atheism and superstition, the scientist, as Bacon pointed out long ago, would be compelled to choose atheism, but the poet would be compelled to choose superstition, for even superstition, by its very confusion of values, gives his imagination more scope than a dogmatic denial of… Continue reading The Melancholy Choice

abortion · Hollywood · Judi Dench · Mike Leigh · movies

Is there ‘Life’ in the Movies?

Abortion is not the topic of many movies, and good films that handle the issue well are few and far between. For this month’s theme, I decided to rewind and take a look at a few features that tell a compelling story about women faced with unexpected pregnancies, and how it affects their lives and… Continue reading Is there ‘Life’ in the Movies?