Velshi Banned Book Club: "Star-Crossed Lovers" - Episode Summary

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Introduction: Bridging Centuries with Love

In the "Star-Crossed Lovers" episode of MSNBC’s Velshi Banned Book Club, host Ali Velshi delves into a compelling literary juxtaposition that spans over 400 years. The episode pairs William Shakespeare's timeless classic, "Romeo and Juliet," with Dorit Rabinian's contemporary novel, "All the Rivers." This pairing serves to explore the enduring themes of love, familial conflict, and societal pressures that transcend time and culture.

Section 1: Exploring "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare

Timestamp: 00:39 – 12:52

Ali Velshi sets the stage by introducing "Romeo and Juliet," highlighting its foundational role in English literature and its exploration of themes such as familial ties, fate, and the intoxicating power of love. He quotes the play’s prologue:

"From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their lives,
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife."
(00:39)

Familial Obligations and Generation Gap

Velshi discusses the inherent tension in the play stemming from the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. He emphasizes the play's exploration of familial obligation and the generational divide:

"At its core, Romeo and Juliet asks a question so many teenagers have asked: Do I disobey my parents for what I want most, for love?"
(04:50)

The Iconic Balcony Scene

The conversation transitions to one of literature's most celebrated moments—the balcony scene. Velshi reads the opening lines:

"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."
(06:21)

Professor Geoffrey Wilson elaborates on the scene's significance, noting that "the word balcony never appears in the text," yet it has become synonymous with the moment of romantic declaration. He reflects on how audiences project contemporary interpretations onto Shakespeare's intent:

"It's not a more iconic associated moment with this play, arguably with all of Shakespeare, than the balcony scene."
(06:42)

Consequences of Forbidden Love

A listener from Vermont raises concerns about the glorification of suicide in the play:

"My biggest concern with the play was always the glorification of suicide for unrequited love."
(07:16)

Professor Sophie Duncan addresses this by clarifying that the play does not romanticize suicide but rather portrays the tragic consequences of the families' feud:

"It's not a glorification of the romance. It's the consequences of the senseless feud between the families."
(07:51)

Themes of Fate and Moderation

The discussion further explores themes of fate and the call for moderation in love. Duncan cites Friar Laurence's warning:

"These violent delights have violent ends."
(11:13)

Professor Wilson connects this to Renaissance ethics and the Aristotelian concept of the golden mean, emphasizing the balance:

"Moderation was one of the ideals of Renaissance ethics."
(11:45)

Section 2: Unveiling "All the Rivers" by Dorit Rabinian

Timestamp: 13:37 – 32:55

Transitioning to contemporary literature, Ali Velshi introduces "All the Rivers," a novel that modernizes the star-crossed lovers trope within the Israeli-Palestinian context. The story revolves around Liot, an Israeli woman, and Hilmi, a Palestinian man, whose love blossoms amidst political strife in New York City.

Censorship and Controversy

Rabinian's novel faced censorship when Israel's Ministry of Education rejected its inclusion in high school curricula:

"The story is based on a romantic motif of a forbidden, secret and impossible love."
(27:15)

This decision transformed the book from a bestseller and award-winning novel into a political symbol, sparking widespread protests and personal backlash against Rabinian.

Themes of Identity and Empathy

Dorit Rabinian joins the discussion to provide deeper insights into her work. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and the complexities of national identity:

"We share so much more than what we dispute. We have so much of our characters, humor, temperament."
(25:42)

Rabinian reflects on the humanistic elements of her narrative, advocating for individual relationships as the cornerstone of peace:

"Make empathy institutionalized in some way... that was what he told me... and I dedicate this book for him."
(31:17)

Setting as a Neutral Ground

The novel's setting in New York City serves as a neutral ground where the protagonists can explore their relationship away from the entrenched conflicts of their homelands:

"Once Helmi and Liat... let themselves be as free as the place allows them to, but there are powers in them that pull them back."
(26:01)

Personal and Political Turmoil

The conversation touches upon the intertwined nature of personal relationships and broader political turmoil. Rabinian shares her emotional journey and the impact of ongoing conflicts on personal empathy:

"I'm disappointed with institutions... this is our only hope and this should be institutionalized."
(31:17)

Section 3: Comparative Insights and Modern Relevance

Timestamp: 32:53 – 43:23

Connecting Classics with Contemporary Narratives

Professors Duncan and Wilson draw parallels between "Romeo and Juliet" and "All the Rivers," highlighting how both works address the influence of upbringing and societal expectations on personal relationships.

"We are who we were raised, you know, your parental influence or the influence of the way you were raised."
(39:37)

Universality and Individuality in Love

The discussion emphasizes the universality of love despite cultural and temporal differences. They explore how literature serves as a medium to humanize and foster empathy across divides:

"The only story we can ever tell is about people."
(43:14)

Modern Adaptations and Censorship

Professor Wilson mentions contemporary instances of Shakespearean censorship, such as the banning of "The Tempest" in Arizona due to its perceived commentary on colonization, underscoring the ever-evolving interpretation of classic literature:

"They're not allowed to read the Tempest because it so called grapples with colonization."
(37:02)

The Role of Literature in Social Reform

The episode underscores literature's role in challenging societal norms and encouraging dialogue, positioning reading as an act of resistance against censorship and intellectual suppression.

Conclusion: Literature as a Catalyst for Empathy and Change

The "Star-Crossed Lovers" episode of Velshi Banned Book Club masterfully intertwines classic and contemporary narratives to explore enduring human themes. Through expert analysis and author insights, the episode advocates for the power of literature to bridge cultural divides, foster empathy, and resist censorship. By celebrating both Shakespeare's enduring legacy and Rabinian's poignant storytelling, Ali Velshi underscores the vital role of reading as a form of cultural and intellectual resistance.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Ali Velshi: "Do I disobey my parents for what I want most, for love?"
  (04:50)

• Professor Sophie Duncan: "It's the consequences of the senseless feud between the families."
  (07:51)

• Dorit Rabinian: "Make empathy institutionalized in some way... that was what he told me."
  (31:17)

• Professor Geoffrey Wilson: "We're the only people who can really answer this."
  (43:14)

This comprehensive exploration serves not only as a reflection on the selected works but also as a commentary on the current landscape of literary censorship and the unwavering resilience of storytelling as a means of fostering understanding and resistance.