أفضل بودكاسات English Literature (2025)

1
A Garden and a Coy Mistress: Andrew Marvell 31:24

6h ago31:24

31:24

Send us a text Which is better: the life of ascetic contemplation or one of passionate sensuality? Let's see what the last great poet of the Stuart era, Andrew Marvell, has to say about that. Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: classicenglishlitera…

1
"Macbeth" Historical Context: Pleasing the King? 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 8:00

21d ago8:00

8:00

In this episode, we’ll explore how Macbeth may have been written to gain favor with King James I after his ascension to the throne in 1603. We’ll discuss how the play’s Scottish setting and its portrayal of a Scottish king would have appealed to James, who was also James VI of Scotland. We’ll examine Shakespeare’s depiction of witches as evil, alig…

1
The Earliest Tales of Robin Hood (Out of Time Episode 2) 32:51

14d ago32:51

32:51

Send us a text Here's another episode in our foundling series "Out of Time." Today, I correct an oversight from our 15th century literature discussions and survey the very earliest surviving tales of the outlaw and all-around-swell-guy Robin Hood! Let's jump in the Wayback Machine! Here's a link to the Robin Hood Project at the University of Roches…

1
"Macbeth" Historical Context: Divine Right of Kings 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 9:55

22d ago9:55

9:55

In this episode, we’ll explore the concept of the Divine Right of Kings, a 17th-century belief that monarchs were chosen by God and answerable only to Him. We’ll discuss how this doctrine framed any attempt to overthrow a king as a sacrilegious act. Then, we’ll examine its relevance in Macbeth, where King Duncan’s rightful rule is disrupted by Macb…

1
"Macbeth" Historical Context: Political Unrest 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 7:46

22d ago7:46

7:46

In this episode, we’ll explore the historical context of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, written around 1606 during a period of political uncertainty in England. We’ll discuss the reign of James I, whose mixed Catholic and Protestant heritage led to widespread distrust. We’ll examine how his lack of support for Catholics contributed to plots against him, in…

1
"Macbeth": Act 1 - Scenes 4-5 🗡️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:00

22d ago4:00

4:00

In this episode, we’ll explore Act 1, Scenes 4 and 5 of Macbeth, focusing on ambition and manipulation. We’ll discuss King Duncan’s announcement that Malcolm will be his heir, unsettling Macbeth and intensifying his desire for the throne. We’ll examine Macbeth’s aside, where he acknowledges his ambition despite its disloyalty. Then, we’ll turn to L…

1
A Christmas Carol: Stave 3 - Fred's Party 🎉 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:27

23d ago3:27

3:27

In this episode, we’ll explore Scrooge’s journey with the Ghost of Christmas Present and the lessons he learns along the way. We’ll discuss his visit to various Christmas celebrations, including Fred’s house, where his nephew expresses pity for Scrooge’s self-imposed misery. We’ll examine the ghost’s revelation of Ignorance and Want—two wretched ch…

1
A Christmas Carol: Stave 3 - The Cratchits' Home 💔 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:03

23d ago5:03

5:03

In this episode, we’ll explore Scrooge’s journey with the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol. We’ll discuss his visit to the Cratchit family’s humble yet joyful Christmas, where he witnesses Tiny Tim’s frailty and learns of his potential fate. We’ll examine how the ghost’s chilling prediction and reminder of Scrooge’s past callousness …

1
"Macbeth": Historical Context - Gender Roles in Jacobean England 🎭 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:27

24d ago5:27

5:27

In this episode, we’ll explore gender roles and expectations in Jacobean England, focusing on the position of women and societal norms. We’ll discuss the expectation that wives should be subservient to their husbands, often facing physical punishment for disobedience. We’ll examine how Shakespeare’s female characters, such as Lady Macbeth, challeng…

1
"Macbeth": Historical Context - The Supernatural 🧙‍♀️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:03

24d ago5:03

5:03

In this episode, we’ll explore the concept of the supernatural in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and its significance in the play. We’ll discuss 17th-century attitudes towards witchcraft, including the widespread fear and its association with misfortune and pacts with the Devil. We’ll examine King James I’s intense fear of witchcraft and his role in the per…

1
"Ozymandias": The Language 🔡 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:37

25d ago3:37

3:37

In this episode, we’ll explore Percy Bysshe Shelley’s characterization of Ozymandias as a symbol of tyrannical rulers who abuse their power. We’ll discuss how Shelley portrays Ozymandias as arrogant through specific poetic techniques. We’ll examine the use of imperative language and repetition, highlighting how these devices reflect his desire for …

1
"Ozymandias" Themes: The Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias 👺 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:01

25d ago5:01

5:01

In this episode, we’ll explore Percy Shelley’s Ozymandias and its critique of tyrannical rulers and the misuse of power. We’ll examine how Shelley uses harsh and unpleasant language, with words like frown and sneer, to evoke disdain for Ozymandias. We’ll also discuss the role of alliteration, particularly the repetition of ‘c’ and ‘b’ sounds in phr…

1
"Ozymandias" Themes: The Ephemeral Human Power 🦸‍♂️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 15:30

25d ago15:30

15:30

In this episode, we’ll explore Percy Shelley’s poem Ozymandias and its central theme—the fleeting nature of human power. We’ll discuss how the ruined statue serves as a metaphor for the decay of political authority. We’ll also examine Shelley’s use of juxtaposition, contrasting Ozymandias’ past glory with his present ruin. Finally, we’ll analyze th…

1
"Macbeth": Act 1, Scene 3 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 10:33

25d ago10:33

10:33

In this episode, we’ll explore Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth, where the witches reappear, showcasing their malevolent nature as they plot against a sailor. We’ll examine their three prophecies—hailing Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future king—while Banquo is told his descendants will be kings. As Macbeth soon learns he has been grant…

1
A Christmas Carol: Introducing Scrooge and Marley 🥶 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:30

25d ago3:30

3:30

In this episode, we’ll analyse the introductory section of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, focusing on the characterisation of Ebenezer Scrooge. We’ll discuss how Scrooge is presented as a cold, miserly, and friendless individual through his physical description and interactions with others. We’ll also introduce Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased…

1
An Inspector Calls: Act 2 Summary 🎭 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:11

26d ago4:11

4:11

In this episode, we’ll explore Act Two of An Inspector Calls, focusing on revelations and shifting blame within the Birling family. We’ll discuss Gerald’s confession of an affair with Daisy Renton and its impact on his engagement to Sheila. We’ll examine Mrs. Birling’s denial of involvement with Eva/Daisy and her rejection of her plea for help, una…

1
A Christmas Carol: Stave 1 - Marley's Ghost ⛓️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:32

26d ago4:32

4:32

In this episode, we’ll explore the opening of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, focusing on the appearance of Jacob Marley’s ghost. We’ll discuss how Marley’s heavy chains, forged from his greedy life, symbolise the consequences of his actions. We’ll examine his warning to Scrooge about his growing chain and the chance for redemption. Finally, we…

1
A Christmas Carol: Stave 1 - Scrooge and the Supernatural 👻 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:56

26d ago3:56

3:56

In this episode, we’ll analyse the initial section of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, focusing on the introduction of the supernatural. We’ll highlight how Dickens employs symbolism and imagery, such as fog and ghostly apparitions, to create an atmosphere of unease and foreshadow the events to come. We’ll examine the description of Scrooge's dr…

1
"A Christmas Carol": Outline of the Story 🥶 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 2:22

26d ago2:22

2:22

In this episode, we’ll explore the plot of A Christmas Carol and the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. We’ll begin with his initial miserly nature and follow his journey toward compassion. We’ll discuss the pivotal visitations from Jacob Marley and other spirits, who guide Scrooge through visions of his past, present, and possible future. Finally…

1
"An Inspector Calls": Act 1 - Mrs Birling Key Quotes 🕵️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:56

26d ago3:56

3:56

In this episode, we’ll explore the character of Mrs. Birling in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. We’ll focus on key quotations from Act 1 that reveal her personality, attitudes, and role in the play. We’ll discuss how her dialogue reflects important themes and provides insight into her character. Finally, we’ll examine how analyzing Mrs. Birlin…

1
"An Inspector Calls": Act 1 - Mr Birling Key Quotes 🕵️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:16

26d ago4:16

4:16

In this episode, we’ll explore the character of Mr. Birling in Act 1 of An Inspector Calls. We’ll focus on key quotations that reveal his personality, beliefs, and role in the play. We’ll also discuss how his dialogue reflects important themes, using specific examples to analyze his character. Finally, we’ll consider how understanding Mr. Birling’s…

1
"An Inspector Calls": Act 1 - Sheila Key Quotes 🕵️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:46

26d ago4:46

4:46

In this episode, we’ll explore the character of Sheila in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. We’ll focus on key quotes from Act 1, examining how they reveal her role and development in the play’s opening scenes. We’ll also discuss how Sheila’s dialogue provides insight into her character and the themes of the play, using specific examples to illu…

1
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Rhythm ✍🏼 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 3:44

27d ago3:44

3:44

In this episode, we’ll look at how Shelley uses fractured rhythm and rhyme in Ozymandias to reflect the decay of the king’s authority. We’ll examine the poem’s irregular rhyming scheme, which defies traditional sonnet structures, highlighting the temporary nature of human creations. We’ll also focus on how the disruption of iambic pentameter in Ozy…

1
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Irony 👑 - GCSE & English Literature Learning & Revision 4:33

27d ago4:33

4:33

In this episode, we’ll explore the literary devices in Shelley’s poem Ozymandias, with a focus on irony and satire. We’ll examine how the crumbling statue highlights the contrast between Ozymandias’s belief in his eternal power and the reality of its decay. We’ll also look at the authoritative tone he used when commissioning the statue, now surroun…

1
A Christmas Carol: Stave 1 - Scrooge's Attitudes to Christmas and the Poor 😠 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 4:11

27d ago4:11

4:11

In this episode, we’ll explore Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly nature and disdain for Christmas. We’ll look at his dismissive attitude toward his nephew Fred’s festive spirit, his indifference to the poor, and his resentment over giving his clerk, Bob Cratchit, a paid day off. Scrooge sees poverty as a personal failing and believes society’s provisions …

1
"Macbeth": Summary Act 1, Scene 1 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 6:13

27d ago6:13

6:13

In this episode, we’ll explore Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth and its key events. We’ll discuss how thunder and lightning create a dark, ominous atmosphere from the very start. We’ll then examine the arrival of the three witches on the battlefield, introducing the play’s supernatural themes and setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy. Don't miss out…

1
"Macbeth": The Concept of Tragedy 🤴 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:21

28d ago5:21

5:21

In this episode, we’ll explore the concept of tragedy and its application to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. We’ll discuss how tragedies center on characters who make fatal mistakes, endure suffering, and often face death, as seen with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. A key element of tragedy is the character’s downfall—a shift from a position of honor to disaster…

1
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Key Ideas 📚 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 5:30

28d ago5:30

5:30

In this episode, we’ll explore the key ideas in Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Ozymandias. We’ll discuss its central message—the fleeting nature of power and humanity’s insignificance compared to the vastness of nature and time. We’ll examine the arrogance of rulers, like Ramses II, and how their pride often leads to oppression. In contrast, we’ll con…

1
To Justify the Ways of God: John Milton's Paradise Lost (episode 2) 42:55

27d ago42:55

42:55

Send us a text We return to Milton's magnificent octopus today with an eye toward evaluating the epic's success according to its own mission statement: "to justify the ways of God to men." How does Milton approach the great theological problems of evil and suffering, divine foreknowledge, and free will? Support the show Please like, subscribe, and …

1
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Summary 📚 GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 7:37

28d ago7:37

7:37

In this episode, we’ll explore Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Ozymandias, which tells the story of a traveller discovering the ruined statue of a once-powerful king in a vast desert. Ozymandias, another name for Ramses II, was a mighty Egyptian pharaoh, yet his legacy has crumbled with time. We’ll discuss Shelley’s background as a Romantic poet with r…

1
An Inspector Calls: Act 1 Summary 🕵️‍♂️ GCSE English Literature Learning & Revision 8:13

29d ago8:13

8:13

In this episode, we’ll break down Act 1 of the play, focusing on the Birling family's celebration of Sheila’s engagement to Gerald, which showcases their wealth and status. We’ll explore Mr. Birling’s confident speeches about business and the future, which are abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. The Inspector announces the suici…

1
Sexy Satan: John Milton's Paradise Lost (episode 1) 40:56

1M ago40:56

40:56

Send us a text Sexy Satan, what have you done? You made a fool of every one! On this episode we tackle the rather thorny question of Paradise Lost's charismatic protagonist (?) or antagonist (?) or antihero (?): the hottest guy in Hell. Why does an epic on the cosmic history of Christianity, written by a radical Puritan, present us with so commandi…

1
A Minor Announcement and a Major Request 11:27

2M ago11:27

11:27

Send us a text Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" b…

1
"Pastures New": John Milton's "Lycidas" 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

Send us a text In 1638, John Milton -- whom many see as perhaps the (second) greatest poet in English -- produced what many think to be his first major poem: the pastoral elegy "Lycidas," written to memorialize the tragic death of a college classmate. Ah! But it's so much more than that! Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast…

1
Christmas on Trial! 20:09

3M ago20:09

20:09

Send us a text The original "War on Christmas"! This year's stocking stuffer looks at England's Christmas ban from 1647 to 1660 and at a rather quirky pamphlet entitled "The Examination and Trial of Old Father Christmas." Season's greetings, Litterbugs! Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, …

1
Cavaliers and Roundheads: The English Civil Wars 40:18

3M ago40:18

40:18

Send us a text Today we have a slightly different kind of show -- literary analysis takes a bit of a back seat to historical context. We'll look at the turbulent period between 1625 and 1660, when England went to war with itself over the roles of the monarchy and of Parliament. We'll look at primary historical documents as well as a little poetry t…

1
Thanksgiving in Plain Style 20:47

4M ago20:47

20:47

Send us a text This Subcast episode marks the American Thanksgiving holiday by looking at two early accounts of the celebration by Pilgrims William Bradford and Edward Winslow and then turns to that great hymn of thanksgiving -- Psalm 107 -- from The Bay Psalm Book, the first book published in what would become the United States. We'll also look at…

1
Carpe Diem!: The Cavalier Poets 32:59

4M ago32:59

32:59

Send us a text Today we look at the love children of John Donne and Ben Jonson, a group of monarchist soldiers during the English Civil War. Collectively known as the Cavalier Poets, they are numerous. We'll look at some representative poems today by Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, Richard Lovelace, and the ill-fated and unfortunately named Sir John …

1
"Death the Leveller" by James Shirley 10:27

5M ago10:27

10:27

Send us a text This year's Halloween Subcast episode looks at James Shirley's meditation on Death. I hope you love it! Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube. If…

1
Cant, Costume, and Cutpurses: Dekker and Middleton's The Roaring Girl 34:07

5M ago34:07

34:07

Send us a text Let's head into the Fortune Theatre for a performance of one of the most innovative and deceptively complex comedies of the English Renaissance. The Roaring Girl, or Moll Cutpurse explores the fluidity of social identity by the protagonist's use of clothing and language. Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast o…

1
"The test of experience": The Philosophy of Sir Francis Bacon 35:35

5M ago35:35

35:35

Send us a text We'll get a bit philosophical today and look at the English language's greatest influence on the scientific revolution: politician, philosopher, and scientist Sir Francis Bacon. His Essays and "The Four Idols" from Novum Organon are our focus. Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Mu…

1
Vikings Are A Thing! The Scandinavian Influence on English (Out of Time Episode 1) 18:43

6M ago18:43

18:43

Send us a text This is the first of what I'm calling the "Out of Time" episodes, an embedded series of Subcast shows that fill in gaps I may have missed along the way. Today, we fly our Out-of-Time-Machine all the way back to the 8th-century to see how the Danish invasions left an indelible mark upon English language and literature. Pack your battl…

1
Will the Real Hamlet Please Stand Up 13:27

6M ago13:27

13:27

Send us a text Here's a short episode to answer a special request by a loyal listener! Let's dive a little deeper into the various versions of Shakespeare's Hamlet that have come down to us! Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: classicenglishliterat…

1
An Unintended Episode: English Country House Poems 24:49

7M ago24:49

24:49

Send us a text I had not thought to do an episode on the English country house poetry of the 17th century, but was recently reminded of their place in the survey of early modern literature, so here's a look at that peculiar subgenre. In this show, we'll look at Aemilia Lanyer's "A Description of Cooke-ham" and Ben Jonson's "To Penshurst." Support t…

1
John Webster's Sensational The Duchess of Malfi 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

Send us a text Let's head back to the theatre for a really blood-soaked tragedy! And while we're at it, let's think about the intersection between art and social criticism. Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: [email protected] Foll…

1
Flesh and Spirit: The Writing of John Donne 40:49

7M ago40:49

40:49

Send us a text Poet and priest John Donne's work seems to transcend its early 17th century moment and feels as fresh and alive to us as anything written today. In this episode, we look at the following texts: "The Bait" "Elegy 19: To His Mistress Going To Bed" "Batter my heart" "Death, be not proud" "The Flea" "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" "…

1
"Drink to me only with thine eyes": Ben Jonson's Lyrics 27:28

8M ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text Today, we'll wrap up our Jonsonian mini-series by looking at some his lyrics, including poems from the 1616 Works and songs from his plays. If you'd like to read along, just ask Uncle Google to serve up these titles: "On Something, that Walks Somewhere" "On My First Daughter" "On My First Son" "Song: To Celia" "Still to be Neat" Addi…

1
English Comes to America 41:12

9M ago41:12

41:12

Send us a text It's Independence Day here in America, so today's show takes the opportunity to look at some of writing of early English colonists in New England and how their ideas contributed to the national ethos that would emerge in the coming centuries. Additional music from Internet Archive: "Stars and Stripes Forever." John Philip Sousa. perf…

1
"A Pretty Kind of Game": Ben Jonson's Volpone and The Alchemist 34:06

9M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text We'll finish our look at Ben Jonson's comedies today with perhaps his most well-regarded efforts: Volpone, or The Fox and The Alchemist. Additional music: "In Town Tonight" by Eric Coates, perf. Reginald Dixon. From the Internet Archive. Support the show Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, o…

1
Humorous Humors: Ben Jonson's Early Comedies 30:45

10M ago30:45

30:45

Send us a text Today, I look askance at two plays by Ben Jonson, whom many see (not me, though) as the greatest English playwright bar Shakespeare: Every Man In His Humour and Every Man Out of His Humour. These have become the paradigmatic examples of the 17th century "comedy of humours." Thank you to the Internet Archive for providing public domai…

المدونة الصوتية تستحق الاستماع

English Literature بودكاست

المدونة الصوتية تستحق الاستماع

دليل مرجعي سريع