Ms. Underwood's Class Podcasts

In this episode, Ayan, also known as Mortis, and his co-host Evan, referred to as Frank the Tank, delve into the poignant themes of John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields." The poem’s connection to remembrance and sacrifice is explored through personal stories and emotional reflections on the symbolic significance of poppies. The hosts discuss McCrae’s masterful use of structure, imagery,...

In this episode of the CAP Podcast, hosts Prahi, Krish, and Ava explore the profound poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. They delve into themes of decision-making and the personal significance of choosing paths in life, particularly as it resonates with high school students faced with crucial academic and life choices. The hosts reflect on Frost's use of vivid nature imagery t...

In this episode of "Go With The Flow," hosts Ellis, Jiya, and Norah explore the profound themes of fate and acceptance in the poem "Give Me A Sign." They delve into how the poem reflects the natural human tendency to seek control over life's uncertainties and the peace that comes with trusting the process. The discussion highlights the poem’s use of personification and meta...

In this episode, freshmen Zachary and Chaewon from North Hollywood High School dive into the emotional depths of Mary Ruefle's poem, "Rain Effect." They explore how Ruefle uses imagery and metaphor to capture the complexities of emotions on a wedding day, paralleled with the artistic influence of Hokusai's famous work, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." The hosts discuss th...

In this episode, Yonna and Aditi delve into William Blake's poem "The Garden of Love" from his collection "Songs of Experience." They explore themes of religious manipulation and societal pressures, drawing parallels between Blake’s imagery and historical events like Jonestown to illustrate how religion can be twisted for control. The hosts discuss Blake’s use of straightfo...

In this episode, Tinwin and Beverly explore Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the Thing with Feathers," examining the poem's profound metaphor of hope as a bird that continuously sings within us, especially during trying times. They delve into Dickinson's use of structure and rhetorical devices to enhance the theme of resilience and perpetual hope. The hosts discuss the historical c...

In this episode, hosts Henry Beveridge and Ryan delve into Dan Vera's evocative poem, "Emily Dickinson at the Poetry Slam." The poem paints a vivid picture of Dickinson's hypothetical venture from her seclusion into the modern world of poetry slams. The hosts explore Vera's use of powerful imagery and metaphors, such as words that "explode" and "obscurely worde...

In this episode, hosts Sam and Sahel delve into Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," exploring the poem's intriguing origins as a playful joke between Frost and Edward Thomas. Together, they examine the poem's widespread appeal and the nuances of its structure that reflect themes of indecision and the complexity of choice. They discuss how Frost's strategic use of rhyme a...

In this episode, Pau and his guest Guthrie delve into Wallace Stevens' poem "Anecdote of the Jar," discussing its unique narrative style and thematic depth. They explore various literary devices Stevens employs, such as iambic tetrameter, sejura, and meticulous word choice, which all contribute to the poem's complex representation of human attempts to impose order on nature. The...

In this episode, Ochir Jargalsaikhan and Austin delve into Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poem, "Annabel Lee." The hosts explore the deeply personal nature of the poem, believed to be inspired by the loss of Poe's wife, Virginia. They discuss the use of poetic devices such as repeating rhymes and alliteration, which Poe employs to emphasize his enduring grief and love. The episode al...

In this episode, Keith and Lucas explore Emily Dickinson's classic poem, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death." They delve into how Dickinson's distinctive grammar choices, like the use of hyphens and enjambment, shape the poem's reading and interpretation, suggesting that pauses force readers to ponder life, death, and what lies beyond. The hosts also discuss the poem's t...

In this episode, Jonathan Shiell and Paolo Kim engage in a deep and thoughtful discussion on Derek Walcott's "The Season of Phantasmal Peace." They dissect the extended metaphor of birds lifting the shadows of the earth, which Jonathan connects to personal stories of loss and mourning, including the impact of his grandmother's passing and his great-grandmother's trials during...