The Classic English Literature Podcast
M. G. McDonough
Where rhyme gets its reason! In a historical survey of English literature, I take a personal and philosophical approach to the major texts of the tradition in order to not only situate the poems, prose, and plays in their own contexts, but also to show their relevance to our own. This show is for the general listener: as a teacher of high school literature and philosophy, I am less than a scholar but more than a buff. I hope to edify and entertain!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 4, 2022 • 14min
Why Think About Literature?
Send us a textOur first Subcast episode! I know it seems early, but I thought it important to put this out there as soon as possible: sort of justify the podcast's existence. . . . Students often ask me: "Why do we have to learn this stuff?" It's a fair question. To many, it seems useless: reading novels and poetry won't help you be a better engineer or physician's assistant, won't keep you fit -- in fact, one can lead a beautiful life and never have read a sonnet. So why study it?Oscar Wilde said that a "work of art is useless as a flower is useless." I love that: something may be useless without being worthless. This episode is my reply to students who look for a connection between literature and life.Music: "Rejoice" (G.F. Handel) perf. Advent Chamber OrchestraSupport the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!
Jul 29, 2022 • 30min
The Coming of the Anglo-Saxons
Send us a textIn this episode, we get a little history about how Germanic peoples from northern Europe came to settle what is now Britain over 1500 years ago. One of these tribes, the Angles, gave their name to this land (Anglelonde = England) and to the language (Anglisch = English). We'll meet the first English historian, the first English poet, and we'll learn about some of the main characteristics of Old English language and poetry!Music: "Rejoice" performed by The Advent Chamber Orchestra; "Dies Irae" by Dee-Yan-Key; "Sunday Morning in the Great Hall" by Fool Boy MediaInterstitial Announcement: She Who Must Be ObeyedSupport the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!
Jul 25, 2022 • 12min
Hello and Welcome!
Send us a textThis introductory episode outlines my vision for a podcast that takes a historical perspective on English literature to show how it can give meaning to our everyday lives!Support the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!
