Jane Austen’s literary genius lies in the fact that she crafts stories that impart the most pressing of human concerns in what seem at first the most mundane of experiences. It makes her a valuable guide to life.

The absolute refusal to accept handed-down truths—whether in politics, science, religion or art—was a constant in Kurt Vonnegut’s life and work.

Barbara F. Walter offers a handy guide for predicting where political instability is most likely to occur—and it is usually when that country is moving away from democracy.

“The Good Fight” is ending its run by ramping up the surrealism—and the idea that we are all living in a very real political nightmare.

Sinéad O’Connor's provocative appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' 30 years ago drew cries of outrage. But was some of her anger justified?

“Tár” is about power, guilt and the always tantalizing question of whether the art can or should absolve the artist for being who she is.