The Lit English English Lit Podcast

Two AP English Literature teachers provide an analysis of this fantastical, masterful short story. Young Japanese women are lured to a factory where they become giant silkworms. Yes, it's a little disturbing.

The dramatic denouement of the novel sees Ralph faced with agonizing decisions as he finds himself being hunted by Jack and his tribe. Does he hide? Climb a tree? The trouble is, he'll only get one chance...

Piggy, Ralph, and the twins, unable to keep a fire going, make a last desperate attempt to reason with Jack and get Piggy's glasses returned. It doesn't go well.

The morning after a particularly "eventful" night before sees Ralph and Piggy trying to make sense of what happened. Meanwhile, Jack and his tribe confront two problems: one practical, the other theoretical.

A massive thunderstorm bears down upon the island. Ralph and Piggy wonder whether they should go to Jack's party. Simon discovers the truth about the beast, but his telling the boys does not go quite according to plan...

As the boys ponder their new reality of life on an island with the Beast, the tribe splinters. Jack openly challenges Ralph's leadership, while keeping the fire going is more of a struggle than ever. Jack's hunt is successful but disturbing, and Simon is confronted by an ancient evil.

Ralph, Jack, and a few of the older boys continue their trek round the island, hunting for the beast. Slowed down by rocky shoreline, impenetrable jungle, and a brief encounter with a wild boar, they take a lot longer than anticipated. By the time they get to the last place the beast could possibly be, it is getting dark...

A new discovery on the island has the boys frantic with fear: it must the Beast! Ralph and Jack lead the search for the mysterious animal, but Simon is not convinced that they have the right idea.

Ralph's carefully planned meeting does not go according to script. Jack is particularly disruptive and the littluns are afraid. Agreeing on what exactly they should be afraid of, though, proves to be a bit of a problem.

A chapter of "firsts" for the boys, but few of them are good. Ralph spots a ship, but what happened to their signal fire?

Jack, obsessed by hunting, and Ralph, more concerned with building shelters, clash over their differing priorities. Either way, they seem to be the only ones concerned with anything other than having fun. And what on earth is Simon up to?

The boys decide that they are going to have fun on the island but that they also want to get rescued. They hatch a plan to light a signal fire on top of the mountain, but not everything goes as planned...

Meet Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and a couple of dozen British schoolboys, who have found themselves stranded on a tropical island. They find a conch shell, elect a chief, and go exploring. Good times!

Mary Maloney is a devoted housewife whose only desire is to please her husband. However, when she gets some shocking news one evening, things take a dark and violent turn. This one of Roald Dahl's cleverest and most deliciously ironic short stories. Enjoy!

Kino and Juana flee La Paz but it is not long before they realize trackers are on their trail. Hunted like animals, the family make a final stand by hiding in a cave. As the trackers close in, Kino makes one last desperate bid for freedom.

Violence, mayhem, and disasters strike Kino and his family. With no home and no canoe, Kino is also now a wanted man. Seemingly, he only has one option. But first he must seek advice from his older brother, Juan Tomas.

Kino goes to sell his pearl, but not everything goes as planned. Fearing being cheated, Kino decides on a different strategy, but danger lurks everywhere...

News of Kino's amazing find spreads quickly, and all of a sudden, he becomes a part of everyone's dreams and wishes. It also means that he becomes everyone's enemy. Among these people is the unscrupulous, sinister doctor...

Kino and Juana take the canoe out to the oyster beds, hoping to find a pearl that might pay for the doctor. Under the water, Kino glimpses a ghostly gleam in a huge oyster. Could it be something special? Might their luck be improving?

A perfect morning in the brush houses on the beach is shattered when Baby Coyotito is stung by a scorpion. His parents take the baby to see the doctor, but will the doctor see them?

A discussion of the novel's final three chapters: broken glasses, shattered shells, and, er, splintered skulls. And, finally, an appearance by an adult. This episode also contains ideas for The Meaning of the Work as a Whole, and we have a special guest appearance this week!

In this episode we look at one specific moment in each of these chapters. There'll be full analysis and explanations of Ralph's unexpected enjoyment of nearly killing a pig, Simon's "conversation" with The Lord of the Flies, and the vivid, climactic description of Simon's death.

The boys miss a chance at being rescued and cross numerous boundaries as their community starts to fracture.

A discussion on the novel's opening: the characteristics of Piggy, Jack, and Ralph; the Edenic paradise of the island; the repressed British emotions; and, above all, lots of indications that things are going to go sideways. Free analysis on Lord of the Flies! Free essay on Lord of the Flies! AP Lit help on Lord of the Flies! Summary on what does Lord of the Flies mean?

Amir recovers from his injuries, tries to bond with Sohrab, and makes a rather rash promise, which has devastating consequences. This is the last installment in the podcasts on this novel. Listen for in depth analysis on The Kite Runner! Includes a section on The Kite Runner meaning of the work as a whole!