Heroes: Chapter 5 - A Discussion

Chapter 5 is important because it introduces themes and ideas that appear all of the way through the novel. Events described in Chapter 5 FORESHADOW everything that happens later - death, deceit, suicide, heartbreak and so on. The doom-laden events of chapter 5 cast a shadow over the whole novel. Find out about them here.

Heroes - Chapter 4 - A Discussion

There's not a lot to chapter 4! However, it does contain some things you're going to need to remember. Find out about them here.

Heroes: Chapter 3 - A discussion

Guilt is a theme running all the way through the novel. This can be religious, or it can be guilt about the things that the characters have done. Sometimes they can forgive themselves, sometimes they can't. A recurring theme is called a 'motif' (pronounced: "mow-teef"). Guilt and forgiveness is a 'motif' in the novel. Find out more here.

Sweet Apostrophes

Here you go, specially for my favourite class... If you want you can email it to yourself! If you REALLY want.

'Heroes' Chapter 2 - A Discussion

Okay! Chapter 2 is pretty important, too. It sets up the idea of Francis' undying love for Nicole Renard. She appears like a religious or divine vision at the start of chapter 2 (THAT'S IMPORTANT) and Francis seems to kneel at her feet, as if he is to be her knight in shining armour (MY WORD, THAT'S IMPORTANT, TOO!).

'Heroes' - Chapter One Discussion

Any start to a novel is the most important part - closely followed by the end in order of importance. At the start of 'Heroes', Robert Cormier sets up themes that will run all of the way through the novel. You need to be aware of them - and that's where this podcast comes in.

'On my first Sonne' - form vs content

The structure of this noble, controlled poem is very different to the emotions that this poem creates in the reader. This podcast is a general introduction, as well as being an explanation of some of the ideas (conceits) of the poem.

'November' - a cautionary tale!

What is it that is ending in the poem 'November' by Simon Armitage? This very general podcast touches on the guilt of the poem and the optimism of the end - as well as pointing out some of the contrasts that Simon Armitage sets up.

Sonnet 130

Sonnet 130 may confuse you at first. It is NOT a poem in which Shakespeare is criticising his lover - it's more complicated than that. Cliched poetry of Shakespeare's time was full of similes in which men compared their beloved to natural images (the sun, flowers, the sea) - but Shakespeare rejects all that in favour of a more honest, realistic portrayal of love. MAybe we should accept those we like most for who they are...

The Laboratory

Need help with The Laboratory? It's tricky sometimes! This is not a stanza by stanza guide - you'll get that in class. This is a discussion of some of the themes.

'Education for Leisure'

If you're having trouble understanding the title of this poem, or some of the references, then it'd be a very good idea to listen to this! Plus, did you know that the poem was an example of an 'alexandrine'? If not, listen and find out why a poem about a psychopath is in such a formal structure!