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The Classic English Literature Podcast

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

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 b... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes99Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsEducation

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Latest Episodes

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For our second episode on John Dryden, we'll talk about two of his plays which marked an innovation in the tragi-comic romance: Marriage a la Mode and Amphitryon.  We'll discuss the "split-plot" play, the exorcising of Restoration pol... more

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Once hailed as the towering literary figure of the Restoration age, John Dryden is little known now by the general reader.  Let's take care of that with a close look at his most enduring works, the poetical satires Mac Flecknoe and Ab... more

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Since they wrote in 17th century Massachusetts, poets Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor are often overlooked in surveys of English literature.  Today, though, we'll bring them back into the fold as we look at how their puritanical rel... more

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Charles II reopened the theatres in 1660 and inaugurated the second golden age of the English stage.  Today's show looks at one of the bawdiest plays to come from the period, a "comedy of manners" whose clever use of language points t... more

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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 186 ratings
  • 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 Statesa year ago
  • Fascinating!

    Lots of fascinating literary insight entertainingly delivered.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chimbird
    United States2 years 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

    Just 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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    msbizzett
    United States2 years ago
  • Impressing modern nonsense ideology onto historic tales

    I was fully invested until he started banging on about “masculine anxiety” in the first part of his first episode of the Arthurian Tales. What a load of w**k, completely turned me off. I was thoroughly enjoying the podcast because he had (thus far), thread the needle brilliantly of remaining appropriately neutral in terms of retelling historical stories. One of my biggest pet peeves is when otherwise highly intelligent people get pulled into foolish ideology of the current era (ideology that is ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    peteypeteypetey1
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, feedback highlights the podcast's capacity to make classic texts accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth literary analyses and find them educational and engaging.
There are critiques noting a desire for a balanced approach, with occasional concerns voiced over perceived modern ideological interpretations.
Some individuals mention personal growth in understanding literature through the thoughtful presentations.
Many comments express gratitude for the insights provided, often relating to their teaching or enjoyment of literature.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#175
Germany/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#236
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#43
Denmark/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#137
Denmark/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#189
Sweden/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#199
Russia/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
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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?

This podcast offers an engaging exploration of major works in English literature, delivering insights that bridge historical context with modern relevance. It caters to a general audience, presenting literature in a manner that is both educational and entertaining, reminiscent of a teacher's approach rather than that of a strict scholar. Topics range from well-known literary figures to thematic discussions surrounding classic texts, making literature accessible and engaging for listeners with varying levels of knowledge.

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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. The History of Literature
2. History Extra podcast
3. Literature and History
4. The Documentary Podcast
5. History's Heroes

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

The Classic English Literature Podcast launched 3 years ago and published 99 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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