Whenever I dream, stairwells, elevators, and large buildings with multiple levels always figure prominently. There'd be nothing strange about this except a) my daily life does not involve stairwells, large buildings, or elevators in any way, and b) they're in absolutely every dream I have -- no exceptions. This has been going on for at least a year, possibly longer. What could be possibly be causing this?
posted on May 23, 2008 - 15 answers

Question about obscure science fiction short story, "Allegory," by William T. Powers, which was reprinted in Groff Conklin's 13 GREAT STORIES OF SCIENCE FICTION. The question is: what is this story an allegory of? To put it another way, is there some real-world or historical event that this story is a comment on? [more inside]
posted on Apr 29, 2008 - 8 answers

I would like to read a good text that helps you interpret Shakepeare's plays. Specifically, I'd like to get help tackling Hamlet. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted on Apr 21, 2007 - 27 answers

I've always loved the song 'Summertime' from the musical Porgy & Bess. I think that part of that appeal is because it has always been open to a wide variety of musical interpretation. I've been trying my hardest for years to find other songs that match that level of artistic license but still maintain it's original beauty. Anyone have any other suggestions of similar songs that I can get my lugholes listening to? [more inside]
posted on Oct 23, 2006 - 32 answers

I'm looking for literature analysis websites. Are there any suggestions for worthwhile sources? I've found a bunch of essay websites, but they seem conflicting or written by students. I'm looking for accurate information that will give me some new perspectives in a wide variety of literature. In time I would like to be able to teach more about hidden symbolism to other people including students. Right now I'm looking specifically for interpretations of Margaret Atwood's "A Handmaid's Tale" and George Orwell's "1984". Thanks in advance if anyone has any advice or tips.
posted on May 29, 2006 - 12 answers

To what extent are the Federalist Papers relied on or used by US courts to interprete the Constitution? [more inside]
posted on Nov 4, 2005 - 8 answers

Do those of us who started learning our second language after high school have any hope of becoming interpreters? [more inside]
posted on Oct 24, 2005 - 10 answers

Daniel 6:24 uses the phrase "or ever they came at the bottom of the den." I haven't been able to find any explanations about what that particular phrase means. Does anyone have any insights?
posted on Jan 11, 2004 - 6 answers