TOK: The Arts
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The poet who walked a political tightrope
Is poetry more important than politics? Four hundred years after his birth, Andrew Marvell remains a rare example of someone who established a reputation in both spheres.
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Voldemort to bring poet TS Eliot back to life
Can a 78-year-old poem have lessons for modern society? The Harry Potter star will perform Eliot’s late masterwork, Four Quartets, with its profound messages about memory and civilisation.
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Beyoncé wins record-breaking 28th Grammy
Do songs tell us who we are? After Beyoncé’s triumph at the Grammys on Sunday night, some think she is the latest in a long line of artists to channel the spirit of her time.
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No Time to Die: stars fight to save cinemas
Are cinemas history? As movie theatres languish in lockdown, many fear that home streaming will replace them completely. Others believe there will always be a place for the big screen.
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A fable in search of a great humane vision
Are humans unique? Tomorrow one of the greatest writers on this theme, Kazuo Ishiguro, will publish a new novel about artificial intelligence, human nature and the meaning of love.
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
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Photo and Oprah date clash with privacy aims
Can celebrities have both publicity and privacy? Harry and Meghan release an intimate portrait and agree to an interview with Oprah Winfrey but demand that the press leave them alone.
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Help dispel the gloom – join the poetry boom!
If everyone read a poem a day, would there be no more wars? Amanda Gorman’s performances have brought millions of people together and provided inspiration in a time of global crisis.
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Snubs, rancour and a triumph for three women
Do Hollywood award ceremonies really matter? The Golden Globes have been criticised for some controversial snubs. But its defenders say the headlines miss the event’s true purpose.
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From fictional French conman to surprise hero
Should we be so fascinated by brilliant criminals? A new French drama about a cunning conman has become a massive Netflix hit. But some say Lupin sends entirely the wrong message.
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The musical performed 60 seconds at a time
Can a TikTok video be high art? A new musical produced entirely on TikTok has some wondering if the platform could revolutionise our culture – but others think it is just a passing craze.
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The Vogue cover image dividing America
Should we portray politicians with more respect? The cover of American Vogue has been attacked for its portrayal of the US vice-president elect, raising tensions over race and gender.
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The genius who revelled in deception
Was John le Carré really a “giant of literature”? The spy novelist’s death has prompted a host of reverential tributes – but some critics believe that they overstate his achievements.
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Elliot Page: I am transgender, says Juno star
Could this be a turning point for the film industry? A Hollywood icon has embraced his gender identity. Some say it is a landmark not only for him, but for the trans actors of tomorrow.