** 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

