All episodes of Surbiton English Lit

Surbiton English Lit

Episodes

Of Mice and Men - Loneliness

In this episode, Ms Gladwyn takes us through the all-important theme of 'loneliness' in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.

Published 10/22/20

Of Mice and Men - The Dream

In this episode, Ms Gladwyn explores the theme of 'The Dream' in Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'.

Published 10/22/20

TKAM - Atticus the Accommodationist

Atticus is probably the most recognisable fictional representative of liberalism in the 20th century. However, how progressive is he really? This podcast looks at the values he represents and asks if he really is the liberal progressive we think he is.

Published 08/29/20

TKAM - Justice and Injustice (pt 2)

It’s important when looking at this text that we don’t just look for justice in the events of the trial. Throughout Part 2 there are several vignettes that highlight the themes of justice, injustice and hypocrisy.

Published 08/29/20

TKAM - The significance of Aunt Alexandra

Aunt Alexandra: Attics’s sister, representative of the Old South, obsessed with lineage and class and an unwelcome ‘feminine influence’ for Scout. Is that the full story?

Published 08/29/20

TKAM - What to look out for in Part 1 (Ch1-11)

A whistle stop tour through some key parts of Part 1. These chapters look at the more nostalgic parts of the novel, but also chart the rising sinister tone that dominates the second half of the novel.

Published 08/29/20

Context: Why is the American Civil War Still Relevant Today?

Whether it’s talk about pulling down statues of Southern Confederate generals or the debate around the presence of the Confederate flag in government buildings, the American Civil War of 1861-65 looms large in American history and politics, and casts a shadow even to this day. So, why does a war that ended 155 years ago still divide the nation? You’ll have to listen to the episode to find out. Enjoy!

Published 07/02/20

Context: What Racist Attitudes Existed in the USA between 1800-1968?

This episode looks at the different types of racism that existed before and after the abolition of slavery in the 1860s. Even though Black Americans would be liberated from slavery in 1861, it wasn’t until 1968 that they had anything approaching equal representation under US law. Even in 2020, a double standard exists.

Published 07/02/20

A close look at the first three pages of To Kill a Mockingbird

In this podcast we take a close look at the myriad historical and cultural references in the opening three pages of To kill a Mockingbird. I recommend reading along and annotating your copy of the text as we go. Enjoy!

Published 07/02/20

Context: The Great Depression in the USA

In this episode we cover key facts about The Great Depression and apply it to the texts To Kill a Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men.

Published 07/02/20

What is Of Mice and Men about?

A brief introduction to Of Mice and Men to set you up before reading the text.

Published 07/02/20

What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?

A brief introduction to TKAM before you start reading the text.

Published 07/02/20

Macbeth - Act 5

A whistlestop tour through each act of Shakespeare's Macbeth.