Episodes
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
An Inspector Calls context (part two)
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
The second episode of our An Inspector Calls series looks at objectification theory.
Use the definitions here to help your understanding:
- instrumentality: the treatment of a person as a tool for the objectifier's purposes;
- denial of autonomy: the treatment of a person as lacking in autonomy and self-determination;
- inertness: the treatment of a person as lacking in agency, and perhaps also in activity;
- fungibility: the treatment of a person as interchangeable with other objects;
- violability: the treatment of a person as lacking in boundary-integrity;
- ownership: the treatment of a person as something that is owned by another (can be bought or sold);
- denial of subjectivity: the treatment of a person as something whose experiences and feelings (if any) need not be taken into account.
Saturday Oct 19, 2019
An Inspector Calls: Context (part 1)
Saturday Oct 19, 2019
Saturday Oct 19, 2019
In the first episode of our new series on JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls, we take a look at the playwright, his politics, and the ideas that informed his iconic (and somewhat contrived) attack on capitalism and the British class system.
Saturday May 11, 2019
Macbeth: Kingship
Saturday May 11, 2019
Saturday May 11, 2019
This episode explores the meaning and representations of kingship in Macbeth. We discuss Duncan's naive ineptitude, Macbeth's selfish tyranny, and Malcolm's balanced pragmatism.
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
Lady Macbeth- The Fourth Witch?
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
This episode explores the numerous interpretations applicable to Lady Macbeth. We discuss her influence on Macbeth, her subversion of Jacobean conventions, and her fateful dalliance with those dark forces that surround the play.
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Macbeth- A Tragic Hero?
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Friday Apr 05, 2019
This episode considers Macbeth's credentials as an Aristotelean tragic hero. Listen along for discussion of character development, fatal flaws, free will, violence, relationships, psychology, philosophy, and more!
Sunday Mar 03, 2019
Macbeth: Context
Sunday Mar 03, 2019
Sunday Mar 03, 2019
In the first in a new series of revision companion episodes for Macbeth, we discuss the social, political, and historical context of the play. We consider this knowledge to be a vital first step in truly understanding the play; it forms a solid foundation upon which you can build personal and conceptualised responses. Enjoy!
Saturday Feb 16, 2019
Episode 14: Tissue
Saturday Feb 16, 2019
Saturday Feb 16, 2019
Our final poetry episode explores Imtiaz Dharker's Tissue. This episode includes discussion of motif, metaphor, politics, philosophy, economics, and the utility of establishing a critical voice.
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Episode 13: Checking Out me History
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
This episode of the podcast explores John Agard's blistering assault against cultural assimilation in Checking out My History.
Thursday Jan 24, 2019
Episode 12: The Charge of the Light Brigade
Thursday Jan 24, 2019
Thursday Jan 24, 2019
This episode of the podcast considers the tragic tale of sacrifice and slaughter as immortalised by Alfred Lord Tennyson's The Charge of the Light Brigade. We discuss the mysterious historical context surrounding the event, explore the ambiguous position of the poet, and delve into his striking imagery and rhythmic expression.
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Episode 11: Kamikaze
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
This episode of the podcast explores the power of memory, identity, and culture in Beatrice Garland's Kamikaze. We discuss the unique mixture of culture and politics surrounding this brutal period in human history, whilst delineating how such influences impact the experience of the individual, and the ambiguity of identity.
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Episode 10: Storm on the Island
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Join us as we delve into Seamus Heaney's Storm on the Island. In a novel turn, Ted provides the contextual information as we interpret the poem as an allegory for the troubled history of Ireland, and the strange (often destructive) power held by ideas of nationality, identity, and religion.
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Episode 9: Exposure
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Our new year podcast explores Exposure, Wilfred Owen's first-hand account of trench warfare during the First World War. It certainly won't cure your January blues, but it will add depth to your understanding of this bleak and powerful poem.
Sunday Dec 02, 2018
Episode 8: The Emigree
Sunday Dec 02, 2018
Sunday Dec 02, 2018
This episode of the podcast analyses the power of place and identity as expressed through Carol Rumens' The Emigree. This is a complex and nuanced poem which can entertain numerous interpretations- listen along for ours!
Tuesday Nov 27, 2018
Episode 7: War Photographer
Tuesday Nov 27, 2018
Tuesday Nov 27, 2018
In the seventh episode of the podcast, we discuss Carol Ann Duffy's War Photographer. This poem explores the morally ambiguous role of the media (and those who consume it) in reporting conflict, as well as delving into the psyche of those who occupy that strange grey area between peaceful nations and violent war-zones.
Tuesday Nov 20, 2018
Episode 2: Remains
Tuesday Nov 20, 2018
Tuesday Nov 20, 2018
This episode of the podcast delves into Remains, Simon Armitage's viscerally violent exploration of war, and its effects on those who experience it. This poem is rich with vivid descriptions of the brutal reality (and tragic consequences) of conflict.