The Lit English English Lit Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jonathan St. John
Two AP English Literature teachers provide an analysis of this fantastical, masterful short story. Young Japanese women are lured to a factory where they become giant silkworms. Yes, it's a little disturbing. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jonathan-st-john/message
The dramatic denouement of the novel sees Ralph faced with agonizing decisions as he finds himself being hunted by Jack and his tribe. Does he hide? Climb a tree? The trouble is, he'll only get one chance...
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Piggy, Ralph, and the twins, unable to keep a fire going, make a last desperate attempt to reason with Jack and get Piggy's glasses returned. It doesn't go well.
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The morning after a particularly "eventful" night before sees Ralph and Piggy trying to make sense of what happened. Meanwhile, Jack and his tribe confront two problems: one practical, the other theoretical.
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A massive thunderstorm bears down upon the island. Ralph and Piggy wonder whether they should go to Jack's party. Simon discovers the truth about the beast, but his telling the boys does not go quite according to plan...
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As the boys ponder their new reality of life on an island with the Beast, the tribe splinters. Jack openly challenges Ralph's leadership, while keeping the fire going is more of a struggle than ever. Jack's hunt is successful but disturbing, and Simon is confronted by an ancient evil.
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Ralph, Jack, and a few of the older boys continue their trek round the island, hunting for the beast. Slowed down by rocky shoreline, impenetrable jungle, and a brief encounter with a wild boar, they take a lot longer than anticipated. By the time they get to the last place the beast could possibly be, it is getting dark...
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A new discovery on the island has the boys frantic with fear: it must the Beast! Ralph and Jack lead the search for the mysterious animal, but Simon is not convinced that they have the right idea.
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Ralph's carefully planned meeting does not go according to script. Jack is particularly disruptive and the littluns are afraid. Agreeing on what exactly they should be afraid of, though, proves to be a bit of a problem.
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A chapter of "firsts" for the boys, but few of them are good. Ralph spots a ship, but what happened to their signal fire?
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Jack, obsessed by hunting, and Ralph, more concerned with building shelters, clash over their differing priorities. Either way, they seem to be the only ones concerned with anything other than having fun. And what on earth is Simon up to?
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The boys decide that they are going to have fun on the island but that they also want to get rescued. They hatch a plan to light a signal fire on top of the mountain, but not everything goes as planned...
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Meet Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and a couple of dozen British schoolboys, who have found themselves stranded on a tropical island. They find a conch shell, elect a chief, and go exploring. Good times!
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Mary Maloney is a devoted housewife whose only desire is to please her husband. However, when she gets some shocking news one evening, things take a dark and violent turn. This one of Roald Dahl's cleverest and most deliciously ironic short stories. Enjoy!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jonathan-st-john/message
Kino and Juana flee La Paz but it is not long before they realize trackers are on their trail. Hunted like animals, the family make a final stand by hiding in a cave. As the trackers close in, Kino makes one last desperate bid for freedom.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jonathan-st-john/message
Violence, mayhem, and disasters strike Kino and his family. With no home and no canoe, Kino is also now a wanted man. Seemingly, he only has one option. But first he must seek advice from his older brother, Juan Tomas.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
Kino goes to sell his pearl, but not everything goes as planned. Fearing being cheated, Kino decides on a different strategy, but danger lurks everywhere...--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
News of Kino's amazing find spreads quickly, and all of a sudden, he becomes a part of everyone's dreams and wishes. It also means that he becomes everyone's enemy. Among these people is the unscrupulous, sinister doctor...--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
Kino and Juana take the canoe out to the oyster beds, hoping to find a pearl that might pay for the doctor. Under the water, Kino glimpses a ghostly gleam in a huge oyster. Could it be something special? Might their luck be improving? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
A perfect morning in the brush houses on the beach is shattered when Baby Coyotito is stung by a scorpion. His parents take the baby to see the doctor, but will the doctor see them?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
A discussion of the novel's final three chapters: broken glasses, shattered shells, and, er, splintered skulls. And, finally, an appearance by an adult. This episode also contains ideas for The Meaning of the Work as a Whole, and we have a special guest appearance this week!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
In this episode we look at one specific moment in each of these chapters. There'll be full analysis and explanations of Ralph's unexpected enjoyment of nearly killing a pig, Simon's "conversation" with The Lord of the Flies, and the vivid, climactic description of Simon's death.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
The boys miss a chance at being rescued and cross numerous boundaries as their community starts to fracture. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jonathan-st-john/message
A discussion on the novel's opening: the characteristics of Piggy, Jack, and Ralph; the Edenic paradise of the island; the repressed British emotions; and, above all, lots of indications that things are going to go sideways. Free analysis on Lord of the Flies! Free essay on Lord of the Flies! AP Lit help on Lord of the Flies! Summary on what does Lord of the Flies mean?
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Amir recovers from his injuries, tries to bond with Sohrab, and makes a rather rash promise, which has devastating consequences. This is the last installment in the podcasts on this novel. Listen for in depth analysis on The Kite Runner! Includes a section on The Kite Runner meaning of the work as a whole!
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Amir learns the truth about Baba and Hassan, and starts his Quest to track down Sohrab. Kabul has changed massively under the Taliban, but an old enemy is very much the same.
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Amir gets his Swap Meet Princess, negotiates the complexities of courting, and starts on his career and married life. But several pieces of bad news from the doctors, plus a phone call from Pakistan, change everything.
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Featuring more insight from Ms. Sharp. Amir's betrayal of Hassan leads to a series of escalating--and heartbreaking--consequences. The Russians' invasion means Baba and Amir have to flee Kabul. Their new life in California is very different indeed!
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Ms. Sharp returns to discuss Amir's relationship with Baba, the roles of Hassan and Assef, and some of the most prevalent symbols and archetypes. Plus the best quotes and golden lines from this week's reading.
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A story about the transformative power of music and the importance of listening when it comes to understanding others.
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A series of power shifts occurs when a corrupt mayor is in so much pain from a rotten tooth that he threatens to shoot the dentist who is reluctant to treat him.
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This 1893 short story features the tragic consequences of power that is enabled by racism, privilege, and patriarchy. This conversation features fellow AP Lit teacher Ms. Sharp.
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Gandalf and Bilbo travel back to the Shire, with a stop at Rivendell along the way. But even when he returns home, there are surprises and changes for Bilbo to deal with.
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The battle is over, and Bilbo, longing for home once more, says his goodbyes, with one in particular especially poignant.
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Last ditch talks between Thorin and Bard fail, and war between men and dwarves seems inevitable. But a sudden and unexpected arrival changes everything. Let battle commence!
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Growing weary of the siege and Thorin's refusal to negotiate with the men and elves, Bilbo resorts to drastic measures.
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News reaches the Company that the dragon is dead. Unfortunately for them, that also means that a great many others are now interested in this treasure, and some are laying claim to it. Thorin is not impressed.
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Smaug wreaks his fury upon the men of Laketown, and a new hero emerges in our story.
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With Smaug away, there is a chance for Bilbo and the dwarves to explore the dragon's lair and his amazing trove of treasure. But where has Smaug gone?
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Bilbo has his first encounter with the dragon Smaug.
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The company has reached the end of their journey, but seems as far as ever from completing their quest: they have reached the Lonely Mountain, but how are they to get inside without alerting the dragon?
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Out of the barrels at last, and in sight of the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo, Thorin, and the dwarves are greeted royally by the people of Laketown.
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Held captive by the Elvenking and his elves, the dwarves yet again find themselves relying on Bilbo to get them out of trouble. The solution: one ring, a couple of strong flagons of wine, and thirteen empty barrels.
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Hungry and despondent in the depths of the dark forest of Mirkwood and without Gandalf, the dwarves and Bilbo make the fatal mistake of straying from the path, where they encounter elvish feasts that magically disappear. They also run the risk of becoming a feast themselves for some other, more horrible creatures...
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The travellers become the guests of Beorn, keeper of bees and tame animals. Stories are told, warnings given, and who or what exactly is Beorn?
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The Biblo, Gandalf, and the dwarves leave the mountains, only to be trapped by a huge pack of wolves and yet more goblins. There's fire, lots of pine trees, and...EAGLES!!
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Lost deep under the mountains, Bilbo meets Gollum, who, in between throttling goblins and chewing on fish, has lost something. Bilbo just happens to find something...and what has it go in its pocketses, preciousss?
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Capers in the dark, deep under the Misty Mountains with goblins galore!
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Silly elves, important information from Elrond, and a much needed break in Rivendell.
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Three trolls provide an early challenge for Bilbo and his companions.
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Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who doesn't want any adventures at all, thank you very much, has an unannounced visit from 13 dwarves and a wizard, who eat his food, drink his beer, and tell him of their plan to retrieve treasure from the clutches of a dragon...and that he is one of the key members of their expedition!
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One more proposal, yet more letters, and a surprise visit from a very distinguished guest. Will it all end happily?
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Shameless Lydia and Wickham, Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield, and, wait, is that Mr. Darcy with him?
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Lydia and Wickham's scandalous elopement, Mr. Gardiner's stalwart efforts, Mrs. Bennet's raptures, and a typical letter from Mr. Collins. But how did Mr. Gardiner get the money to ensure Wickham and Lydia will do the right thing?
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Elizabeth visits Pemberly. Elizabeth bumps into Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth feels exceedingly awkward. But much has changed...
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Darcy's letter, Elizabeth's shame, the sisters' return to Longbourn, the regiment's departure for Brighton...and Lydia's following them there.
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Elizabeth arrives at Hunsford, experiences the "affability and condescension" of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, finds out some troubling information, and receives a surprise proposal!
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Bingley bails, Mr. Collins proposes (again), Charlotte accepts, and Jane refuses to think ill of anyone.
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The Netherfield Ball: embarrassment, awkwardness, and Mr. Collins in all his glory.
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Bingley's sisters show their true colors, Mr. Darcy finds himself falling for Elizabeth, and Mr. Collins arrives!
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Bingley charms, Darcy offends, Jane becomes ill, and Mrs. Bennett schemes (and also offends)!
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The final episode. Laertes dies. Gertrude dies. Claudius dies. And Hamlet dies. Horatio and Fortinbras are left to pick up the pieces.
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Featuring Ms. Sharp and Mr. Stevens-Wills giving their razor sharp insight into the role of women in Hamlet as well as their thoughts on literary critical lenses. Soundtrack by Elliot.
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One of the most iconic scenes featuring an iconic character and an iconic symbol. Then there's a fight. Featuring legendary guest appearances from Gabriel and Henry St. John
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Horatio gets a letter from Hamlet, Gertrude reports Ophelia's death, and Claudius and Laertes come up with a desperate plan to get rid of Hamlet once and for all. It involves poison, naturally.
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Featuring a special guest appearance, Ophelia's madness of songs and flowers, as well as the return of a furious Laertes. Hamlet himself is absent...or is he?
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Hamlet sees Fortinbras's army, is disgusted, then admiring, and finally (sort of) resolved...
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Also featuring sponges, worms, and beggars. Hamlet is off to England!
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While Gertrude tries to protect Hamlet, Claudius is only interested in protecting himself. Both are suffering beneath a facade of intimacy.
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Polonius finds out that spying has its drawbacks, and we have another visit from the Ghost.
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Hamlet doesn't act (again), but Claudius' soliloquy steals the scene.
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Hamlet is agitated, the tension rises: how will Claudius react to seeing this play?
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Plus some light discussions about life, death, and what is beyond.
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The player's monologue and Hamlet's response to it
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Hamlet's antics cause concern and confusion. Plus a special guest in the studio!
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The breathtaking double standards of Polonius, the lack of concern for Ophelia, and speculation on why Hamlet behaves so erratically.
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Revenge, regicide, dishonor, damnation. They're all on the table.
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We will be looking at the return of the Ghost, Hamlet's response to the Ghost, and Hamlet's friends' responses to Hamlet's response to the Ghost. If you know what I mean.
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A detailed look at the dynamics between Polonius and his two children, Laertes and Ophelia.
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We look at faking it, deep grief, and the role of contrast in a scene of latent and overt emotion.
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A discussion of the setting, the significance of the soldiers' conversations, and the "problem of the Ghost".
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