Sex & Death & Beowulf

Thomas Crofts teaches medieval literature and classical languages at East Tennessee State University. In his three-part column, ‘Sex & Death & Beowulf: Reflections on Teaching,’ Thomas discusses his role as an associate professor, how he engages with his students and his ongoing efforts to communicate the importance of classical subjects in the 21st Century. [Apr 2015 – Jul 2015]

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  Aphorisms for Pleasure and Survival

  by Thomas Crofts

  I think the afterlife will be a comedy. But if it’s not, that will be funny too.

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  The Ancient Mating Habits of Whatever

  by Thomas Crofts

  Preserving, passing down and perfecting the deep literacy which the maintenance of civilization requires, and of training one’s mind to the all-important subtleties of human behavior and human potential–and of the discipline and patience required to see these things through—doesn’t make any money.

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  All I knew was how to suck

  by Thomas Crofts

  Most literary texts are concerned with two very basic things: sex and death. These things humanity is more or less addicted to examining and which can never be forgotten.
  
  But, Dr. Crofts, what about love?
  
  Love is merely the magical result of sex and death.