Tag Archives: epistolary fiction

The Stories behind Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Brenton Dickieson

I think that Pride & Prejudice is the best English novel, ever. Is that too much? Perhaps it is, but I’m a fan, and in the world of non-fantasy prose storytelling it is about as good as it gets for … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

The Sorrows of Young Goethe

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Brenton Dickieson

Let me tell you a story. In the summer of 1772, 245 years ago, a young Johann Wolfgang von Goethe took a position articling in Wetzlar, Germany. He wasn’t a very good lawyer, however, and spent most of his time … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughtful Essays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Screwtape Writes Again: A Note on Contemporary Screwtape Letters

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Brenton Dickieson

I have the opportunity to use C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters in an undergraduate class. One of the assignments that I give them is to create a “Screwtape Letter for a New Generation”—their own, unique, contemporary spiritual formation advice or … Continue reading →

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Screwtape on Pleasure and Distraction

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Brenton Dickieson

The following excerpt from The Screwtape Letters is, I think, one of C.S. Lewis’ most sublime arguments. The senior demon, Screwtape, is trying to help his new tempting nephew, Wormwood, keep the new Christian sliding away from his faith. Within … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorable Quotes | Tagged , , , , , | 25 Comments