In our last episode, we read through the short story, “The Mutability of Literature,” by Washington Irving. Now, it’s time to unspool the tale and discuss what makes it not only a great short story but a phenomenal intellectual treatise on mutability and authorship.
Despite being over two hundred years old, at this point, the story nevertheless speaks to concerns that remain contemporaneous; such as, whether art is worth the personal cost of creating it when it will inevitably fall out of fashion, then, into obscurity, and, finally, into oblivion.
While the subject matter may sound a bit dour, I think this is a really fun episode of the show—and I hope it gives you a few things to think about, as well. So, get the dog ready for a walk or cue up that commute and I hope you enjoy the latest episode of the unspooling podcast.
As always, thank you for listening.
the unspooling podcast - unspooling "The Mutability of Literature" by Washington Irving