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The Classic English Literature Podcast

M. G. McDonough
Shakespeare
George Herbert
Gender Roles
The Taming Of the Shrew
Othello
The Merchant Of Venice
Identity Politics
The Tempest
Sexism
Anti-Semitism
Macbeth
Hamlet
Colonialism
Shakespeare's Sonnets
Venus and Adonis
The Rape Of Lucrece
William Shakespeare
Aemilia Lanyer
Kingship
The Temple

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 ... more

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Alexander Pope, whom some critics regard as the most important poet of the early 18th century, set out to comprehensively explain the rules that governed art, poetry, and humanity itself.  And, it turns out, they're all the same rul... more

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While many may think of Swift's magnificent octopus as a mere children's adventure tale, it is, in fact, one of the darkest and most troubling satires in the English language.  Written as the Enlightenment began asserting rationalit... more

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I hope you've brought your appetite, because today we're looking at some of Dr. Swift's shorter prose satires (along with a couple of poems) and he certainly gives us plenty to chew on.

"A Description of the Morning": www.p... more

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One of the most theologically and liturgically important Christmas carols may contain coded messages against the Throne of England!

Additional Music: "Adeste Fidelis" by Bing Crosby with The Max Terr choir; John Scott Trotter and his or... more

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Recent Guests

Gretel le Maître
Podcast host/creator of a cafe-location themed segment
Episode: Imitation and Optimism: The Essays of Alexander Pope

Host

Doug McDonough
Host of The Classic English Literature Podcast; leads deep-dive literary discussions with a teaching-focused, accessible style.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 222 ratings
  • Informative and humorous

    This is one of my favorite new podcasts. I wish any of my English classes had been as fun, interesting, and informative as these podcasts. I’m definitely filling in some gaps from my high school in college English classes! I highly recommend this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marcy Marcy Marcy
    United States3 months ago
  • Great stuff! I’m getting an education!

    I’ve just finished the two episodes on Milton’s Paradise Lost. Without dumbing down, the themes are explained in our modern vernacular. I envy Mr. McDonough’s students the opportunity they have been given to have such an excellent teacher. I hope they appreciate him!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Refined Taster
    United States5 months ago
  • Eye opening

    I just finished teaching Hamlet at a high school level and can’t wait to get back to it because this opened my eyes to so many aspects I feel I missed! Will definitely be looking into many of the points mentioned because they were so interesting!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annabear207
    Canadaa year ago
  • Good stuff

    For over a year now I’ve been going to sleep with Doug and Literature and History . I even give him some $$ every month. But you are giving him a good run for his money. I’ve gone to bed with Classic English Literature for several nights now and I like it. ☑️j tJust saw I have a new review to take to bed. I loved your analysis of Macbeth and I’m anxious to hear what you have to say about Lear

    You are the best. I have always loved Donne, and you hit upon all of my favorites. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    msbizzett
    United States2 years ago
  • Fascinating!

    Lots of fascinating literary insight entertainingly delivered.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chimbird
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Clear, insightful, and accessible analysis that's great for students and teachers.
High-quality content with deep literary and historical context; very engaging.
The host makes classic texts feel relevant without talking down to listeners.
Some episodes touch on contemporary ideology; a few listeners felt it skewed in certain debates.
Passionate and knowledgeable host who communicates complex ideas clearly.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#100
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#234
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#173
France/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#83
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#141
India/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#180
Hong Kong/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Happy Thanksgiving! George Herbert's "Gratefulness"
Q: Is the desire to be thankful the same as being thankful?
The host contemplates that while wanting to be thankful and actually being thankful are different, the desire for gratitude is essential.
Honor, Ethics, and Assassination: Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Q: Would I consent to a world in which a political leader can be overthrown for potential misuse of power?
Assassination would violate a duty to act ethically in that world.
Honor, Ethics, and Assassination: Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Q: How do we determine the ethical status of an action?
Should we look to the intentions of the actor or the consequences of the action?

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Classic English Literature Podcast

What is The Classic English Literature Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rigorously accessible deep-dive into classic English literature, analyzing novels, poetry, and plays through historical context, philosophical themes, and cultural critique. Episodes highlight satire, human nature, and literary innovations from Swift to Defoe to Restoration drama, often reframing works to reveal their relevance for modern readers and students. A distinctive strength is the teacherly, Socratic approach that invites curiosity without dumbing down, making dense materials feel approachable for a general audience and for classrooms alike.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Classic English Literature Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Classic English Literature Podcast:

1. Hardcore Literature
2. The History of Literature
3. Close Readings
4. In Our Time
5. The LRB Podcast

How many episodes of The Classic English Literature Podcast are there?

The Classic English Literature Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 107 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Classic English Literature Podcast?

Recent guests on The Classic English Literature Podcast include:

1. Gretel le Maître

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