When it comes to the issues, Barack Obama and John McCain couldn’t be more different. But when it comes to literature, the two are remarkably the same. Each cites Hemingway’s ?For Whom the Bell Tolls,? as a favorite read. The Takeaway looks at what this book says about the presidential hopefuls and the power of great literature to reach across the aisle. Guest: Jim Fitzmorris, playwright and professor of theatre history and literature at Tulane University. He focuses on the role of politics in literature.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!