58 – Illuminated Text

Man of Steel Answers Insight Commentary

**NOT A Justice League EPISODE**

Illuminated manuscripts as insight into things that endure. An alternative approach to characterization. Literary analysis and criticism.

“Transcendent empathy lets us change the world. The kind of world these films challenge us to make. To create a world that would invite Superman with open arms, hearts, and minds. Through a hard look at ourselves as we are now… and actively taking up the responsibility to change.”

Answers, insights, and commentary on:

• I. Introduction (0:00)
  • Disclaimer Not Didactic Not Idolatry
  • Religious Influence
  • Introduction to Man of Steel artbook

• II. Illumination (9:16)
  • Illuminated manuscripts
  • The first books, the first comic books
  • Reading a graphic novel versus watching a film
  • Compared to these films:
    • Focus on Illumination not text
    • Focus on specificity
    • Value without adherence

• III. Literary Analysis (42:44)
  • Four prevailing modes:
    • Text
    • Authorial Intent
    • Context
    • Response
  • Slow down: Receiving a work as intended
  • Deeper meaning from works: insight & complexity
  • Q: Why we analyze? A: Empathy
  • Power can reduce empathy

• IV. Active Empathy (1:02:13)
  • Passive and Biological Empathy
  • Biblical approach to character and narrative
  • Exercise Active Empathy
  • Transcendent experience of empathy vs. just adding to the continuity pile
  • New Hollywood parable: Changing minds
  • Resisting immediate reaction
  • Tools to change the world:
    • Reflection, Responsibility, Active empathy, Challenge
    • Reflect – Can’t take Truth, Justice, & American Way for granted
    • Truth – Responsible for what is received as truth
    • Justice – Actively pursue justice
    • American Way – Challenge the way things are going

• V. After Show (1:50:48)
  • Endnotes
    • Indy (Indie)
    • Nostalgic Blockbusters
    • Minority to mainstream
    • Robert Alter on names and parallels
    • Aslan the Lion (not lamb), Superman the Strange Visitor (not boyscout or paragon)
    • Worship as objectification
    • Critical thinking instead of manipulating math by default (criticism in a rut)
    • Wonder Woman’s sword Joseph Campbell quote
    • Duality and tension
  • Production
    • Deleted episodes
    • Justice League
    • Snyder Cut
  • Extras
    • I’ll Be In My Trailer
    • Incentives and creativity
    • Music

To learn more:
Illuminations: Treasures of the Middle Ages | BBC
Speech Bubbles: Understanding Comics | 99pi
Why Danger Signs Can’t Last Forever | 99pi
Why Knights Fought Snails | Vox
Medieval Rabbits | Plainly Difficult
Yoda in a 14th Century Manuscript? | NPR
Decoding Popularity: The Truth of Success | Derek Thompson
Choice, Happiness, & Tomato Sauce | Malcolm Gladwell
How and Why We Read | John Green
Mining Literature for Deeper Meaning | Amy Harter
How To Make A Hero | Michael Stevens

Aftershow
Viral Math | Presh Talwalkar
Illuminated Manuscripts (“Nowhere Man”) | Amy Burval
Children’s Songs for Peace & a Better World | Brett Dennen
Mission | The MOSAIC Project

Web: ManOfSteelAnswers.com
Twitter: @mosanswers
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#SnyderCut