Blog Line

Last night I went to hear contrarian writer, Christopher Hitchens at the University of Toronto. For those of you unfamiliar with Hitchens he wrote a rather infamous criticism of Mother Teresa. He is the same man who wrote a sarcastic essay for Vanity Fair on Princess Diana’s demise. Whatever you may think of his views he is a very good writer. Biting, highly intelligent, highly literate and with a “take no prisoners” wit. What’s not to love?

So last night I trudged out to see him speak, in the flesh, at UofT. A groupie. With envy (I write) he is also an amazing speaker. First, of all is the incredibly plummy British accent. Second, is the literary and historical analogies and anecdotes that sprinkle his comments. I felt like I needed to enroll in kindergarten, start over, because I had obviously missed alot. His intelligence in crafting and dissecting an argument is a blood sport. I could have listened to him for hours. Obviously others felt the same because disciples followed him into the rain and gathered round while he lit the ever present cigarette.