The Classic English Literature Podcast

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 but more than a buff. I hope to edify and entertain!

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The Classic English Literature Podcast

Why Think About Literature?

August 04, 2022 • Matthew McDonough • Season 1 • Episode 3

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Our first Subcast episode! I know it seems early, but I thought it important to put this out there as soon as possible: sort of justify the podcast's existence. . . .

Students often ask me: "Why do we have to learn this stuff?" It's a fair question. To many, it seems useless: reading novels and poetry won't help you be a better engineer or physician's assistant, won't keep you fit -- in fact, one can lead a beautiful life and never have read a sonnet. So why study it?

Oscar Wilde said that a "work of art is useless as a flower is useless." I love that: something may be useless without being worthless. This episode is my reply to students who look for a connection between literature and life.

Music: "Rejoice" (G.F. Handel) perf. Advent Chamber Orchestra

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Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber Orchestra
Subcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish Guards
Sound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.org
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