Reading and analysis of the classic suspense story. Recommended for high school.

Warning: death and grief described in detail

*First in a series of episodes about pieces without clear, definite endings. 

*Analysis of theme

*Close analysis of foreshadowing

Text here: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/12122/12122-h/12122-h.htm

Monkees Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrLNbJ3oz6g&t=427s

Reading and interpretation of the poem "Burden in My Hand," by Chris Cornell. Recommended for high school.

WARNING: Extensive discussion of depression and anxiety, suicide, and destructive behavior including alcoholism.

This is my first attempt at analyzing this poem; it is intended to model the thought process of reading and understanding a complex piece of literature. But because it is that first attempt, it may be a bit more confusing as the thoughts occur to me out of order.

Original version of the piece can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIqIVxUuKs

Analysis of a surprise poem; an excellent way to introduce poetry and poetic interpretation, at least in my experience. Recommended for high school.

*Title and author withheld so as to focus on the words of the piece more closely, without context.

*Careful analysis of metaphor and symbol

*Themes of control and fear, society and individuality

Here is the poem:

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear

It's driven me before

Whatever tomorrow brings

Whatever tomorrow brings

So if I decide to waiver my chance

It's driven me before

So whatever tomorrow brings

Would you choose water over wine

Whatever tomorrow brings

Link to a performance of the poem by the poet: DON'T WATCH UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE LISTENED TO THE EPISODE, OR YOU'LL SPOIL THE SURPRISE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig

Analysis of a surprise poem. Recommended for high school.

This has been my activity to introduce my students to poetry: reading an unknown poem, analyzing the poem without any context, even the title and author. This has been one of my favorite activities, and this is my favorite poem to use for it. 

**Warning: This poem is VERY dark and talks about child abuse and trauma.

Analysis includes focus on diction and point of view, and repetition for emphasis.

The poem is reproduced in this episode description.

New blood joins this earth

What I've felt

They dedicate their lives

What I've felt

What I've felt

Never free

You labeled me

Never free

You labeled me

Never free

Performance of the poem by the author: DON'T WATCH UNTIL AFTER YOU LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! IT'LL RUIN THE SURPRISE!

https://youtu.be/DDGhKS6bSAE

Reading and analysis of a great ironic/funny story, "The Storyteller" by Saki. Recommended for high school.

*Vocabulary definitions and analysis of characterization and tone

*Story operates on multiple levels, and analysis attempts to do the same

*Discussion of the morality presented by the story

Reading and analysis of two poems by Emily Dickinson: "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" and "Hope is the thing with feathers." Recommended for high school.

*Two favorites from Dickinson's extensive catalog (Mine and my wife's. Have different favorites? Start your own podcast. But listen to this one first. These are great poems.)

*Explanation of the unique traits of Dickinson's poetry

*Powerful metaphors that present concrete images of grand ideas: truth, and hope

Reading and analysis of the short story. Recommended for high school.

(Descriptions of death by hanging)

*Focus on the structure of the story, including the use of flashbacks and imagined vs. real timelines

*Analysis of how the author creates the surprise twist ending (Spoiler: there is a surprise twist ending)

*Exploration of possible themes, including war, death, and the beauty of life

Reading and rhetorical analysis of the Declaration of Independence. Recommended for high school.

*Analysis of the argument: do the Colonies have the right to secede? Should the Colonies secede?

*Focus on logic and evidence

*Focus on audience and purpose

Reading and analysis of Kate Chopin's perfect short story. Recommended for high school.

*Historical context for both story and author, as both story and author are essentially feminist in the late 19th century.

*Literary analysis focusing on imagery, theme, and characterization

*I include the one word that is sometimes missing from this story, and explain why it matters.

Reading and analysis of ee cummings's modernist love poem. Recommended for high school.

*Analysis of syntax, imagery, and word choice

*Examples of ambiguity in poetry, with multiple possible readings of sections and of the poem as a whole

*Cummings is my favorite poet and this is one of his loveliest poems. I swear by all flowers.