Beyond the Verse

In this week’s episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Maiya and Joe delve into the depth and complexity of William Shakespeare's sonnets.

Beginning with a reading of 'Sonnet 18', they explore the characterization of the Fair Youth and the Dark Lady, the sonnet form, and Shakespeare's lasting legacy. The hosts delve into the technical aspects of Shakespeare's sonnets, such as their 14-line structure and iambic pentameter, and discuss how these structural elements contribute to the thematic richness and emotional depth of the poems. The discussion also touches on the often contrasting depictions of the Fair Youth and the Dark Lady, highlighting how these characters embody Shakespeare's exploration of beauty, love, and betrayal.

Furthermore, they discuss the integration of the sonnets with Shakespeare’s plays and the portrayal of age-old tropes in both, providing a richer understanding of his work. The episode wraps up by discussing the modern reverberations of Shakespeare’s influence found in contemporary poetry, particularly in works like Jason Allen-Paisant's ‘Ringing Othello,’ and the continued relevance of the sonnet form.


Get exclusive PDFs on William Shakespeare and his sonnets, available to Poetry+ users:

• All Shakespeare Poems, analyzed with:
  • Full PDF Guides
  • Poetry Snapshot PDFs
  • Poem Printable PDFs
    • With Meter Syllables
    • With Rhyme Scheme
    • With Both Meter and Rhyme

For more insights into William Shakespeare, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can explore a wide range of analyzed poems, with thousands of PDFs, resources in our extensive PDF Learning Library, and more - see our William Shakespeare PDF Guide.

Tune in and Discover:

• The enduring significance of Shakespeare's sonnets
• An exploration of the Fair Youth and the Dark Lady
• Shakespeare’s poetic legacy and influence on modern interpretations
• The symbolism of nature and its connection to love

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this milestone 10th episode of 'Beyond the Verse,' hosts Joe and Maiya welcome Will, the founder of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+ to share his journey, insights and learnings in the 10+ years he's been running the site.

Will shares his journey of creating the website as a young entrepreneur, inspired by his GCSE revision notes, which has now grown into a significant resource for students and poetry enthusiasts online. They delve into his relationship with poetry, the future directions for his website, and discuss his relationship with user comments and questions, among some that deeply impacted him.

Throughout the episode, they explore favourite poems, the emotional impact of poetry, themes for contest submissions, and the challenges and importance of translating poetry. The episode also highlights the community and charitable aspects associated with PoemAnalysis.com, including donations to Teenage Cancer Trust, Alzheimer's Research and Great Ormond Street, among many others.

If any of the stories in this podcast are close to your heart, or inspire you to donate, you can click the link to our charity page, which will allow you to go direct to each charity site and pay it forward. Thank you in advance for all your amazing support. 

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week’s episode of "Beyond the Verse", brought to you by PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya take a deep dive into William Butler Yeats’ apocalyptic poem 'The Second Coming'. They explore Yeats’ use of biblical allusions, the recurring themes of societal collapse, and his cyclical view of history, which reflects the chaos and uncertainty of the post-World War I era.

Join the discussion as Joe and Maiya dissect Yeats’ background, his views on revolution and change, and how The Second Coming captures a world on the brink of a new, ominous era. They explore the poem’s opening lines, the metaphor of the falcon and the falconer, and the chilling imagery of the “rough beast” slouching towards Bethlehem.

Get exclusive PDFs on 'The Second Coming' available to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF
• Poem Printable PDF
  • with Rhyme Scheme
  • with Meter Syllables
  • with both Rhyme and Meter

Some other useful PDFs as part of Poetry+:

• William Butler Yeats PDF Guide
• First World War Poets PDF Guide
• Irish Literary Revival PDF Guide

For more in-depth analysis of Yeats and his works, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can access a wide range of analyzed poems and resources in our extensive PDF Learning Library.

Tune in and Discover:

• Yeats’ apocalyptic vision in 'The Second Coming'
• The biblical and classical allusions in the poem
• How Yeats’ personal life and the political landscape shaped his work
• The unsettling relevance of 'The Second Coming'  in today’s world

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week’s episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya delve into Rudyard Kipling’s renowned poem ‘If—,’ exploring its lasting legacy and the complex interplay between Victorian ideals, masculinity, and Kipling’s own life experiences.

They discuss ‘If—' (1895), examining not only the poem’s advice-filled verses but also its cultural impact and Kipling’s relationship with his son, John. Joe and Maiya navigate the poem’s contradictions, the societal expectations it reflects, and the broader implications of Kipling’s imperialist beliefs on his work.

Get exclusive PDFs on ‘If’ available to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF
• Poem Printable PDF
  • with Rhyme Scheme
  • with Meter Syllables
  • With both Rhyme and Meter

For more insights into Kipling’s poetry, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can explore a wide range of analyzed poems, with thousands of PDFs, resources in our extensive PDF Learning Library, and more - see our Rudyard Kipling PDF Guide.

Plus, stay tuned for recommendations on poets who engage with themes similar to Kipling’s work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Kipling’s role in Victorian literature and his complicated legacy
• Key themes in ‘If’ and their relevance today
• The impact of Kipling’s personal life on his poetry
• The enduring popularity and controversy surrounding ‘If’

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

On today's episode of Beyond the Verse, a poetry podcast brought to you by PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Maiya and Joe dive into the ancient Greek poet Sappho's Fragment 16, commonly referred to as the Anactoria poem. 

To complete the podcast, get the PDF Resources for this poem, created by the team at PoemAnalysis.com:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF
• Poem Printable
  • with optional Meter included
  • with option Rhyme Scheme included
  • with both Meter and Rhyme included 
• Sappho PDF Resource

This poem highlights various themes including the interplay of love and warfare, the significance of the poem's fragmented nature, and allusions to the story of Helen of Troy. Joe provides historical context on Sappho's life and the era she lived in (around 600 BCE in Lesbos), emphasizing her legacy in LGBTQ+ literature. They explore how Sappho's fragmented biography and extant works influence contemporary interpretations, noting the use of regular four-line stanzas and the voice of beauty and love.

The hosts analyse the first stanza of the poem, focusing on Sappho's contrarian tone and her distinct voice against the male-dominated tradition of the time. They discuss the implications of female agency, the poem's commentary on the consequences of choice, the enduring impact of Sappho's work on modern literature. The discussion also touches on controversial reinterpretations by male poets like Swinburne and Lowell, exploring how they often reduce Sappho to a mere sexualised figure.

Ending on a discussion of Sappho's evolving legacy and her impact on later literary traditions, the hosts invite listeners to continue the conversation and look forward to discussing Rudyard Kipling's 'If—' in the next episode.

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

This week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, sees Joe and Maiya answering questions from Poetry+ members about all things poetry.

To send in questions to the Beyond the Verse podcast, you can sign up to Poetry+ and email [email protected].

From a behind the scenes discussion of how they approach analysing and breaking down poems - to Joe and Maiya's goals to emphasise diverse poet selections and meaningful conversations - the hosts explore what is means to be part of the cultural conversation.

They touch on how poetic movements form and whether poets need to belong to them, the significance of movements such as the Romantics, Imagists, and more, before delving into a the historical context and current understanding of spoken word poetry.

Including a fascinating conversation 'behind the veil' of the poetic canon, the hosts talk candidly on the role of awards and finances in the poetry world, the influence and value of critics, and overcoming writer's block. They also debate the (hotly contested) stereotype of the 'sad, lonely poet' versus the reality of what it means to write and be read by millions.

Tune in and Discover:

• How the podcast is created, and what drives the hosts' conversations
• The impact and importance of poetic movements
• Spoken word poetry and the canon's dismissal of it in the modern day
• Whether awards are important
• The stereotypes given to poets across the globe 

and much more! 

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week’s episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem ‘dear white america’ by Danez Smith, a powerful piece by one of the most influential contemporary poets.

They discuss ‘dear white america’ (2017), examining not only the systemic injustices and racial trauma addressed in the poem, but also the cultural and personal dimensions that shape Smith’s work. Joe and Maiya delve into Smith’s literary influences, the impact of spoken word on their poetry, and their significant role in the modern American literary canon.

Get PDFs on ‘dear white america’ exclusive to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more information on Smith and their work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a vast selection of analyzed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Danez Smith PDF Guide.

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets inspired by Smith’s work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Smith’s position in the canon and role in modern American literature
• Key themes throughout ‘dear white america’ and the poet’s other works
• Smith’s background and poetic influences
• The significance of the epistolary form, incarceration, and historical context in the poem

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem 'Digging' by Seamus Heaney, a poem from one of the most revered Irish poets of all time.

They discuss 'Digging' (1966), exploring not only the cultural inheritances imbued in the poem, but the physical manifestations of labour, as well as how nature and literature interact in the poem. Joe and Maiya discuss Heaney's literary forefathers and incredible legacy in both the Irish and English canon.

Get PDFs on 'Digging' exclusive to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more information on Heaney and his work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Seamus Heaney PDF Guide.

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets that have been inspired by Heaney's work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Heaney's position in the canon and role in Irish poetic tradition
• Key themes throughout 'Digging' and the poet's other work
• Heaney's childhood and poetic influences
• The significance of the spade, the pen, and the gun

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence: / Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, and its induction into the social sphere as a poem that is so often misquoted.

They discuss 'The Road Not Taken' (1915), exploring the public's misinterpretation of the poem, the American pastoral tradition and how it moves forward into the future, as well as Frost's position in the American canon. Joe and Maiya discuss Frost's enduring influence and transformation into one of modern times' most revered poets.

Get PDFs on 'The Road Not Taken' exclusive to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF
• Poem Printable PDF
  • With Rhyme Scheme
  • With Meter Syllables
  • With both Rhyme and Meter

For more information on Frost and his work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Robert Frost PDF Guide!

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets that have been inspired by Frost's work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Frost's position in the canon and role in American poetic tradition
• Key themes throughout 'The Road Not Taken' and the poet's other work
• Friends and influences of Frost
• The Great American pastoral tradition

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

'You may write me down in history / with your bitter, twisted lies. / You may trod me in the very dirt. / But still, like dust, I'll rise.'  

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the monumental career and work of Maya Angelou, commemorating 10 years since her passing.

In this episode, they discuss 'Still I Rise' (1978), exploring themes such as the recycling and remaking of Black history, colonial erasure, violence, and the relationship between personal suffering and then collective suffering. Joe and Maiya discuss Maya Angelou's enduring influence and transformation into one of modern times' most revered poets.

Get exclusive PDFs on ‘Still I Rise’ available to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more insights into Angelou’s poetry, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can explore a wide range of analyzed poems, with thousands of PDFs, resources in our extensive PDF Learning Library, and more - see our Maya Angelou PDF Guide.

From humble beginnings, Angelou's legacy spans the decades, with achievements that include: not one (but seven!) autobiographies, two service achievements on Presidentially-appointed equality commissions, a reading at Clinton's 1993 inauguration, not to mention her fourteen collections of poetry, two cookbooks, seven children's books, and seven plays. For more information on Angelou and her work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Maya Angelou PDF Guide!

Plus, stay tuned to discover which modern day hip-hop and rap artists credit Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' in their own work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Angelou's personal history 
• Key themes throughout 'Still I Rise' and the poet's other work
• Motifs that bring Black History to the forefront of the work
• Maya Angelou's influences in the literary canon
• Modern pop culture callbacks to her work 

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

Send us Fan Mail

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.