The Troubadour Podcast

Explore the controversial protagonist of Moll Flanders in 17th century London, unraveling her immoral yet captivating life choices. Dive into the societal aspects of commercialism and capitalism, understanding the novel as both an artistic achievement and moral institution.

Send us a textVisit my magazine's website for a full analysis and commentary: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/william-wordsworth-steals-a-boat-an-excerpt-from-the-preludeThe Boat Stealing Scene from the 1850 Prelude by William Wordsworth:One summer evening (led by her) I foundA little boat tied to a willow treeWithin a rocky cove, its usual home.Straight I unloosed her chain, and stepping inPushed from the shore. It was an act of stealthAnd troubled pleasure, nor without the voiceOf mountain-echoes did my boat move on;Leaving behind her still, on either side,Small circles glittering idly in the moon,Until they melted all into one trackOf sparkling light. But now, like one who rows,Proud of his skill, to reach a chosen pointWith an unswerving line, I fixed my viewUpon the summit of a craggy ridge,The horizon’s utmost boundary; far aboveWas nothing but the stars and the grey sky.She was an elfin pinnace; lustilyI dipped my oars into the silent lake,And, as I rose upon the stroke, my boatWent heaving through the water like a swan;When, from behind that craggy steep till thenThe horizon’s bound, a huge peak, black and huge,As if with voluntary power instinct,Upreared its head. I struck and struck again,And growing still in stature the grim shapeTowered up between me and the stars, and still,For so it seemed, with purpose of its ownAnd measured motion like a living thing,Strode after me. With trembling oars I turned,And through the silent water stole my wayBack to the covert of the willow tree;There in her mooring-place I left my bark, –And through the meadows homeward went, in graveAnd serious mood; but after I had seenThat spectacle, for many days, my brainWorked with a dim and undetermined senseOf unknown modes of being; o’er my thoughtsThere hung a darkness, call it solitudeOr blank desertion. No familiar shapesRemained, no pleasant images of trees,Of sea or sky, no colours of green fields;But huge and mighty forms, that do not liveLike living men, moved slowly through the mindBy day, and were a trouble to my dreams.

Send us a textThis is a poem in Blake's "Songs of Innocence & Experience: Showing The Two Contrary States of the Human Soul."This poem is ripe with Biblical images. In fact, I'd argue that the entire poem is an extended metaphor, not to be taken literally at all. Though, there is a narrative story in the poem, the action of this story must be taken metaphorically.This poem is about a 7 year old girl who becomes separated from her parents and lost in a desert. She falls asleep under a tree. Then some wild beasts (leopards and lions and tigers--OH MY!) come out of a cave and see her. They play at her feet, and then the kingly lion licks her. They then strip her naked and bring her to their cave.This is how the poem ends. Unlocking this poem is rather fun. Though, it does take a little bit of digging and a lot of knowledge of the Bible, I believe it is very worthwhile even if you are not religious or Christian.  We will see how Blake both uses the imagery of Christianity while offering a criticism to his 19th century Christian readers.

Explore O. Henry's unique storytelling, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. Discover ancient Greek mythology intertwined with a tale of a princess and a puma. Follow Princess Josepha's journey of unconventional talents and unexpected confrontations with a Mexican lion. Uncover the themes of forgiveness, camaraderie, and deeper connections among the characters in this captivating narrative.

Explore the intricate deceptions and manipulations on a ship plagued by rebellion and bloodshed. Witness the aftermath of a failed revolt and the individual fates that unfold. Reflect on themes of trust, gratitude, and deception amidst challenging circumstances in a melancholic atmosphere.

The podcast discusses the dramatic events in Chapter 3 of Benito Cereno, including a tense escape attempt, Delano's realization of the ship's danger, and the discovery of a skeleton. It explores themes of racism, deception, and power dynamics in the novella, highlighting the manipulation of appearances and the complexities of the characters' motivations. The discussion extends to exploring historical contexts, leadership dynamics, and the use of storytelling in conveying complex concepts.

The podcast discusses the intense and violent encounter on a ship, with a focus on the mutinous uprising and battle that unfolds, leading to casualties on both sides. The aftermath of the violent incident is explored, including the care of a wounded Spaniard and the investigation in Lima surrounding the events on the ship.

The podcast explores Captain Delano's complex thoughts and suspicions towards Benito Serino, delving into themes of deception and identity. It also analyzes racial dynamics on the ship and the symbolism in a nautical setting, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the plot.

The podcast delves into the tense interactions aboard a ship, exploring themes of leadership, secrecy, and suspicions. Captain Delano observes tender moments amidst the toughness at sea, reflecting on a decaying ship cabin and an intriguing knot on deck. Shipboard scenes transform, highlighting the nature of Negro valets and a shaving incident leading to tense conversations. The atmosphere is heavy with mystery, tension, and reflections on complex relationships.

Send us a textIn this episode we go over the first "Chapter" which I have titled "A Ship in Distress." Make sure you have listened to parts 1 & 2. Part 1 is my introduction to Melville's Novella. Part 2 is my reading of Chapter 1. And this part, 3, is my quick summary followed by a closer look into the chapter. I broke the Closer Look into 4 categories:1) The Odd Ship2) Aboard the Ship3) Benito Cereno - First Surmises4) Captain Amasa Delano, Whaling Ship Captain ExtraordinaireNext up will be a reading of "chapter 2."Please note these chapters are my own inventions and not Melville's. He has written this story in one non-stop narrative. I am breaking it up to help make it a little more easy too digest.