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Talk Write

Talk Write

By: Brandon Cook
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 Regular updates about what makes great writing great.

brandoncookwriter.substack.comBrandon Cook Art Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Redeemed to Love: The Amorous

    Redeemed to Love: The Amorous
    Jul 15 2025

    In today’s canto, Dante is still in the sphere of Venus, where he encounters two souls: Cunizza Da Romano and the onetime Bishop of Marseilles, Folquet. How are the amorous saved, and what does it mean to give up a life of worldly love for divine love? Trans. John Ciardi



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    17 mins
  • What Do You Want To Be?

    What Do You Want To Be?
    Jul 11 2025

    In today’s canto, Dante and Beatrice ascend to Venus, the third sphere of Paradise, where they encounter Charles Martel, the Medieval king of Hungary. Dante asks the king how it is, if men are made through the divine harmony of the heavenly spheres, that so much disharmony can arise. Charles Martel rehashes the timeless nature v. nurture debate. Wise words for us to hear, even 700 years later!Trans. John Ciardi



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    20 mins
  • Just Vengeance, Justly Avenged

    Just Vengeance, Justly Avenged
    Jul 9 2025

    In today’s canto, Dante has some choice questions for Beatrice. How exactly does atonement work? How can the sin of humanity be wiped out? How does Christ’s suffering our punishment translate into redemption? Beatrice as ever answers Dante in good, reasonable scholastic method, and even delivers him a few nuggets of wisdom about the final resurrection of the body.

    Tras. John Ciardi



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    17 mins
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