Episode 165 | Past, Present & Fiction | Little Women (2019), American Literature & History

Who could have imagined the impact that a simple story of domestic struggles and joys would have on the world? After more than seven film adaptations, numerous televisions adaptations, and countless versions for the stage, a new generation got its Little Women in 2019 with Greta Gerwig’s bold interpretation of the March Sisters’ story. In this episode, we’ll discuss the legacy of Little Women and how this latest film version honors the life of author Louise May Alcott while infusing the story with a contemporary urgency. Issues of gender expression, feminism, and economic independence run through the lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they come of age during the American Civil War. The film also asks a question: does writing confer importance or reflect it? We examine this question from the lens of fiction storytelling, but also from the lens of history to discover Little Women’s place in both spheres.

Further reading/listening:

Why Don’t More Boys Read Little Women? By Anne Boyd Rioux for Literary Hub

The Director’s Cut: Little Women with Greta Gerwig and Rian Johnson

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Black Lives Matter. Consider supporting protestors in Louisville via the Louisville Community Bail Fund.

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Episode 162: The World Was Wide Enough | Hamilton, American History & Theatre

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story… The question of “who tells your story” echoes throughout the Broadway sensation Hamilton: An American Musical, a blockbuster portrayal of a forgotten figure in American history. This week on the Midnight Myth, we dive deep into Lin-Manuel Miranda’s powerful piece of theatrical Americana in a surprise second investigation into the roles and responsibilities of historical fiction. We’ll go back to the big daddy of historical dramas, William Shakespeare, to learn how history plays have shaped national sentiment and historical perception. Then we’ll discuss the historical imperatives Hamilton confronts us with. What does the play ask us to do? What relationship to history does it cultivate? Does it handle American history with the delicacy it deserves—where does it triumph and where does it fall short? Hamilton is deeply important to us as art lovers and content creators, so we hope to do it justice in our conversation—or that you’ll view us with indulgence.

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Donate to the Milwaukee Freedom Fund to help protestors in Kenosha. Or donate directly to the family of Jacob Blake.

If you’re not part of a high-risk population and want to do your part to help ensure a free and fair US election, consider applying to become a poll worker. Learn more at www.powerthepolls.org.

After the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, educate yourself about colorectal cancer, and get screened if you’re at risk.

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

Midnight Myth Time Machine | Episode 7: There Is No Spoon

Have you ever wondered if this world is real? Have you ever wondered if the life you are living is the good life or just the life you have been told to live? Listen to Derek and Laurel discuss storytelling that questions and deconstructs the narratives of 1990s American peace and prosperity. We talk about three amazing movies, Fight Club, American Beauty and The Matrix. Remember, all things have questions, and all questions help us understand this fundamental truth: there is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.

Support us at www.patreon.com/midnightmyth

Check out our new merch store for Midnight Myth, Boomerangerang, and Wheel of Ka tees and totes!

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

Midnight Myth Time Machine | Episode 6: Rebel Rebel

It’s the Midnight Myth Time Machine! This is Episode 6: Rebel Rebel, which originally aired in March of 2017. Derek and Laurel discuss rebellion, resistance, and revolution in stories. From the Hunger Games to Star Wars in the realms of sci-fi and fantasy and dramatizations of historical events like Les Miserables and Hamilton. So hop in the time machine with us and enjoy Episode 6: Rebel Rebel.

Episode 102: Avengers Assemble

We’re in the Endgame now. Hot on the heels of the release of Avengers: Endgame, a defining moment for the MCU, and the culmination of 22 films spanning over a decade, we’re here with a deep dive into some of the most potent themes at play. A heavily spoiler-filled discussion kicks off with our first impressions, then turns to the history of the American Civil War, 20th century psychology, and Greek mythology. There were over 14 million ways this movie could have unfolded, 14 million possible conclusions to this fight. So why is this the ONE? Assemble as we grapple with the sorrow and the triumphs of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the communal experience of storytelling.

Check out our new merch store for Midnight Myth, Boomerangerang, and Wheel of Ka tees and totes!

Learn more, view sources and inspiration, and sign up for e-mail updates at www.midnightmyth.com

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

Sources

If you enjoyed this podcast, check out some of our sources and inspiration. Images are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the item, a percentage goes to the podcast. Thanks for your support, we love you 3000.

Endgame Funkos!

Episode 62: These Violent Delights

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Have you every questioned the nature your reality, or podcast? Per chance you should…Listen this week as The Midnight Myth applies its thoughtful analysis to the HBO hit series West World. Central to West World is the idea of the "west", a frontier, a lawless land ripe for civilized folk to come and claim— if they are tough enough to keep it. Amid the moral questions of artificial intelligence and a world created where humans can cater to every lustful wish and violent desire, is a narrative of America. This week Derek and Laurel seek to understand the narrative, from Ancient Rome, to Enlightenment Politics, and everything in between and hereafter. 

Episode 29: Going Native

Our histories and our stories are intertwined, and often visual media, such as film, becomes the conduit by which we contextualize our past. This week, we examine the film Gangs of New York from director (legend) Martin Scorsese and how it brings nativists philosophy to the forefront fighting for control over the grimy slums of 1860s New York City, right as the Civil War ravages the south. Part of a multi-parter exploring this particular moment in our nation’s past from a multitude of perspectives— and learning to understand the real-world implications of historical fiction.

Episode 7: There Is No Spoon

Have you ever wondered if this world is real? Have you ever wondered if the life you are living is the good life or just the life you have been told to live? Listen to Derek and Laurel discuss storytelling that questions and deconstructs the narratives of 1990s American peace and prosperity. We talk about three amazing movies, Fight Club, American Beauty and The Matrix. Remember, all things have questions, and all questions help us understand this fundamental truth: there is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.