Benedict Whalen earned the nickname “Baby Whalen” in his first semester teaching. Courtesy | Benedict Whalen
In this Quick Hits interview, Associate Professor of English Benedict Whalen talks walkout songs, his campus nickname, and the funniest thing his kids have said.
What is your favorite book you teach?
“King Lear.”
What is your favorite work of art?
Bruegel’s “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus.”
What is your walkout song?
Oh gosh, I listen to mostly classical music. Handel’s “Messiah”? No, I’m just kidding. “Sally MacLennane” by The Pogues.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was little I wanted to be a monk.
When did you first find out that people call you Baby Whalen?
I think someone came up and said it to me my first semester here, so it was very early on. I was actually charmed by it. I thought it was a clever way to play with the initials of my name, B. Whalen.
Do the faculty and staff ever call you Baby Whalen?
Sometimes, yes, I’ll get jokes. Most often I get it from Dr. Arnn.
What is one of the funniest things your kids have ever said?
One of my kids said to my 3 year old, “Stop being so bossy!” and he shouted back, “But I am a boss!”
What is your favorite way to pray?
In silence. I love silent withdrawal.
What is your funniest story from class?
One of my favorite moments in class was when I was teaching F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wonderful short story, “Bernice Bobs Her Hair.” And walking into that class, one of the young woman had in fact cut off all of her hair and just bobbed it to perfection for that class.
If you could add any class to the core curriculum, what would you add?
Medieval Philosophy.
If you could take any class on campus, what would you take?
I would like to take Dr. Cole’s “Aquinas on God” class.
Who is your role model?
Richard Hart, professor of English.
What does your ideal morning look like?
At least an hour of quiet before everyone else wakes up. Since we’ve had this baby, it’s been a lot less ordered. I usually get up between 5-6 a.m. but I’ve been sleeping in more with this baby.
What is your favorite family tradition?
I love Easter morning. We hide baskets around the house, so the first thing the kids do is get up and hunt for the baskets. On a day-to-day basis, I love reading to my kids. It’s just wonderful.
What is one of your favorite books you’ve read to your kids?
“Watership Down,” by Richard Adams.
What has made you laugh recently?
Just in class today, we were laughing about Achilles’ challenge to Agamemnon, the way he suddenly accuses Agamemnon. It’s actually a very funny moment.
What is your favorite book in your office?
I have a first edition first printing signed copy of Chigozie Obioma’s “The Fisherman.”
