Literary Simpsons

I wonder while reading Bob Baker’s excellent essay about lower companions -- who see in this series their own faces -- whether Homer’s name was taken from the central character of Nathanael West’s novel “The Day of the Locust.” If so, we had better revisit that classic of the 1930s and reconsider its apocalyptic message in our times. It may shed some light on the aggressive lack of fellowship that sweeps our nation today.

David T. Johannesen

Pacific Palisades

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As a college professor who often uses the Simpsons in the classroom, I was delighted by your article ... that is, until the author stated that “Mac-Homer” was based on “Hamlet.” As the very title suggests, it’s actually based on “Macbeth.” The quote parodied (“Is this a dagger I see before me, or a pizza?”) is one of the most famous lines from the Scottish play. As the author acknowledges that the great number of literary references is “evidence that America’s intellectual traditions are safe,” I think the ironing is delicious.

Kevin Wetmore

West Los Angeles