Columbia Professor James Shapiro interviewed Bard College Professor James Romm about his new book, Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero, at the 42nd New York Public Library on Tuesday night. Was Seneca the Machiavelli of the ancient world or inspiring moral philosopher?
Seneca
Classics in the Wild: How the Classics Enrich Unclassical Moments
Classics in the WildCommentOver handfuls of popcorn in Lincoln Square cinemas recently, I saw the movie American Hustle, directed by David O. Russell. Winner of a Golden Globe and nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, American Hustle refurbishes the story of ABSCAM, a late 1970s FBI sting operation. American Hustle is not necessarily a modern-day Medea; however, looking at American Hustle through the lens of Medea highlights some interesting counterpoints between the two works, which, I think, reveal the enriching power of the Classics.