October

Tragedy and Heroism: Three Historical Novels of Leon Uris

Steve Feller, B.D. Silliman Professor of Physics
October 4, 11, 18, 25

In this Thursday Forum, B.D. Silliman Professor of Physics Steve Feller will guide participants through a close examination of three of American author Leon Uris's best-selling novels: "Mila 18," "Exodus" and "Armageddon." Starting with “Mila 18,” a moving account of the events that led to the Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943, each week’s session will guide participants through the content, historical context and accuracy of Uris’s novels. A natural follow-up to “Mila 18” will be “Exodus,” which will be discussed during the second and third sessions. By examining both the novel and feature-film versions of “Exodus,” participants will explore how “Exodus” presents the story of the founding of the State of Israel and offers a compelling account of the origins of the current situation in the Middle East. The last novel, “Armageddon,” tells the story of the late-1940s Berlin blockade and airlift. Written in the style of “Mila 18” and “Exodus,” it describes a key post-World War II story of heroism and success. Using the novels, the film, historical background and primary historical sources, participants will take a critical look at the historical accuracy of Uris’s works while also acknowledging the fictional nature of the novels. While participants are welcome to read the novels, outside reading is not necessary in order to attend and enjoy each session.