Fill the Stage

Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

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The Small Woman

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In 1930, a young woman named Gladys Aylward, who felt the call to be a missionary, boarded a train in England for China. She carried her clothes and food in two suitcases. Due to the Sino-Soviet Conflict, her journey was blocked in Russia, forcing her to sleep out in the Siberian cold. After facing extreme danger, she was smuggled to Japan, where she made her way to China.

She learned Chinese and started an inn with an older missionary woman in a small (north-central) town called Yangcheng. She began feeding, housing, and telling Bible stories to mule caravaners. At first, the townspeople distrusted her, but over time, she gained respect.

Many unusual opportunities arose. The town’s Mandarin (the philosopher-leader) asked her to work for him as the local foot inspector. So she traveled from village to village, unbinding the feet of girls and young women. Later, a prison riot erupted. The frightened town leadership asked her to establish peace. Extremely frightened, she walked into the prison and witnessed horrors: a man with an axe was chasing and hacking fellow prisoners. The man approached her; terrified, she demanded that he hand over the axe.

Gladys experienced many difficulties and adventures. She traveled all around the area, establishing Christian communities. Her most significant test came during World War II when the Japanese invaded northern China, bombing and pillaging towns and villages. When Yangcheng was bombed, she became the leader and head nurse, living in nearby mountains and caves, and caring for refugees. However, as danger increased, it became clear she had to leave, with the village prisoners and nearly 100 orphans who considered Gladys their mother.

Her southwestern journey to the province of Sian achieved legendary status and is the book’s climax.

The author of Gladys Aylward’s biography, Alan Burgess, said she “is one of the most remarkable women of our generation.” Her heroic life and accomplishments began with a prayer that God would use her.

The book was published in 1957, and a movie debuted the following year. I highly recommend reading the book before watching it. Gladys Aylward thrived despite significant hardships; her willingness to serve an area of great need led to an adventurous and extraordinary life.

Robinson Crusoe

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Shipwrecked near an island, Robinson Crusoe struggles to survive. He has to swim ashore, retrieve critical supplies, build a fort, grow food, track the passage of time, and hew a boat using crude tools. Not knowing if he would ever return home and realizing that his life had changed forever, he had to find peace and happiness in ways that he never considered before.

An unforgettable read, the book has sold millions of copies and inspired stories such as Swiss Family Robinson and movies like Cast Away. The reader feels as though he is on the island with Crusoe. I often wondered if I could do what he did. Would I survive? Would you?

I recommend the book. It is enjoyable and full of wisdom, like the importance of diligence, hard work, contentment, and gratitude. But it’s the total experience that really matters. I have never forgotten the scene of Crusoe almost drowning, trying to swim ashore, or his efforts to build a fortified house. His agony and diligence are emblazoned on my mind.

Crusoe’s difficulties and fears had a transforming effect. The book builds to a page-turning conclusion.

Buy a version with N. C. Wyeth illustrations.

Have you read the story? What interested you the most?

The Tale of Troy

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This adventure story, by Roger Lancelyn Green, is a condensed version of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, recounting the Trojan War and Odysseus’ struggle to return home. A fascinating read, if you are not quite ready for the original versions, this will give you a taste of their thrill and excitement. The story is well-written, action-packed, and moves quickly along.

Green was a friend of C.S. Lewis and encouraged him to publish The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He’s known for retelling classic stories and myths, including Tales of the Greek Heroes. Using primary sources, he recounts how the Trojan War began, ended, and also events involving the heroes and main characters, such as Agamemnon, Menelaus, Paris, Helen, Achilles, Hector, Ajax, Aeneas, Odysseus, Telemachus, and Penelope.

I read The Iliad and The Odyssey first, which is not necessary. However you decide to do it, this book will round out your knowledge of these life-changing stories. The book is an exciting read.

The Iliad

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A second reading of the Iliad in six months, this time in poetic form, deepened my appreciation of its majesty, significance, and point. The Iliad is Homer’s sweeping epic about the Trojan War, particularly the wrath of Achilles, the Greek hero and greatest warrior.

Many heroes play a role, the foremost of whom are Achilles and Hector, heroes of the Greek and Trojan armies. They are supported by the mighty Diomedes, Ajax, Odysseus, and Trojan Aeneas. Many fight for glory, each other, and, in Hector’s case, his city and family.

The war unfolds on a plain between the Greek ships and the city of Troy in modern-day Turkey. The heroes are fearsome. Diomedes is so mighty that he is surrounded by a “crowd of champions” (126), and he leads from the front (185), putting his life on the line. Ajax is a towering warrior general; he fights with a mighty shield and spear. In one scene, he protects the ships and fights against seemingly impossible odds, knowing all might be lost. One is made to feel the difficulty and his overwhelming bravery and leadership:

“…a blast of weapons pounded Ajax, so he could not stand firm. He was forced back by Trojan fighters and the will of Zeus. His shining helmet, pummeled by the blows, clanged horribly around his battered skull. The blades kept hammering the ornate plates. His left arm wearied of the constant effort of holding up his flashing shield. But still the Trojans could not knock down his defense, hard though they pressed him with their constant strikes. His breath was labored and a flood of sweat drenched his whole body, and he could not rest. Danger was everywhere, pain piled on pain.” (382-383)

While thrilling, the fighting scenes are not the epic’s most critical parts. The scenes surrounding the war display the consequences of vice and virtue. The king wronged Achilles, leading to the loss of many lives. Achilles’ pride and wrath are partly to blame. The entire war began with adultery and the theft of someone’s wife. One sees the importance of diplomacy, friendship, experience, skill, competence, communication, charisma, and exercising one’s talents amid need and in the fray.

As I reread the Iliad, I grew concerned that I was missing the point—the forest for the trees. Is Homer trying to tell us something applicable and essential for all time, vital for living a good life, and perhaps even an extraordinary one?

I was happy to hear about this First Things podcast. The speaker’s interpretation fits the story and its conclusion. He says the poem is a love epic and that Homer wants us to ponder the necessity of forgiveness and loving one’s enemies. While the Iliad offers many lessons, that is indeed a vital point.

You can easily read 15 pages a day and finish the epic reasonably quickly. Pay attention to the dull parts, the difficulties endured, the self-sacrifices made, the love shown, and the epic’s end.

Please share below what you find most interesting.

The Odyssey

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After the Trojan War, the great Greek hero Odysseus sets out on his journey home, longing to reunite with his wife, son, and kingdom. This will not be easy. Twelve temptations await him, requiring wit and virtue. He must lead men at sea, face deadly enemies, overcome a giant cyclops, resist deadly pleasure, and remain faithful to his family and home. 

The story is unforgettable. It has been retold and reused countless times, such as in stories like Kidnapped. It has inspired great writers and leaders. Some of the greatest stories were influenced by it. Many readers gain a better understanding of how to live well. 

With guidance, one can gain huge benefits. I recommend Emily Wilson’s poetic translation; it was an energizing read.

Tales of the Greek Heroes

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One essential foundation of leadership is learning the wisdom of the past. Edmund Burke, the great conservative British statesman, said, “People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors.” Learning history is vital for anyone who wants to live a fulfilling life.

Every civilization has ancient stories, some of which are historical, while others are mythic. Many of the West’s ancient stories come from Greece and Rome. The Greco-Roman stories include tales of gods and heroes, such as Prometheus’ gift of fire to humanity, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Hercules’ labors and battles against the giants. They are enjoyable to read.

The Greeks regarded physical strength, heroism in war, and hospitality as moral virtues. They also recognized the sacredness of one’s word, work, marriage, family, and city. Finally, they believed in a supernatural world, sin, and the need for atonement.

Many lessons can be learned from the ancient tales: curiosity does not always lead to a good end (Pandora’s box); a happy marriage requires more than physical attraction and emotional attachment (Jason and Medea); individual dignity matters (Procrustes’ bed); feelings and desires are not always legitimate and often lead to bad ends (Siren’s call); and the road to greatness requires enormous self-sacrifice (Hercules’ labors).

Roger Lancelyn Green’s Tales of the Greek Heroes is a valuable resource. By his admission, it is a simple retelling of the ancient stories. Moreover, he weaves them into a unified narrative. Also, he remains faithful to the originals, except for minor additions, which he documents in the Author’s Note.

Ultimately, these stories provide the context for two of the most famous Greek tales about the Trojan War and the return of one of its heroes, as recounted in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

Prince Caspian

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Over a thousand years (Narnian time) after the events in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the children are called to Narnia once more. They find themselves near an old, deserted castle. Narnia is unrecognizable. It is now governed by men who no longer believe in the old creatures or Aslan. Unknown to them, a dictator rules Narnia, one who has driven the old beliefs about Aslan away.

A young Narnian boy named Caspian still believes. He is being educated in the ways of leadership by a half-dwarf named Cornelius. One day, he will become king in place of his uncle, the dictator. Suddenly, everything changes, and he must flee for his life, and a most exciting adventure begins.

This story is about the old beliefs in Aslan that were lost, the creatures who still believe in him, and those who do not, and who seek to destroy the old beliefs forever. Will Caspian, the young prince, survive as war looms?

C.S. Lewis’s imagination is on full display: dancing trees, festive parties, a duel, Narnia bound and unloosed, and a heroic mouse. Leadership, courage, the nature of what is true, happiness, and surprises are woven through this page-turning story.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Because of a war, four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) travel to the countryside and find themselves in a strange house. Soon they are drawn into Narnia, a world of talking animals and mythical creatures. While seeking a friend of Lucy’s who an evil witch had captured, they face uncertainty and danger.

Finding that they can’t accomplish the mission on their own, they flee capture and journey to Aslan, the great lion. A monumental event follows, and a battle awaits that will forever change Narnia and all those in it.

C.S. Lewis, the author, was a master storyteller. He combined fairy tale, travel, adventure, war, marvelous elements, humor, and surprise, creating a unique and memorable story. People of all ages worldwide have enjoyed it. It has sold tens of millions of copies. Lewis followed it with six stories known together as The Chronicles of Narnia.

If you have read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, please share your thoughts. What did you like most about it? How did Lewis keep your attention?