Influenced and educated by her parents, Frankenstein’s author, Mary Shelley, grew up in a world of radical artists and writers. Her immortal novel explores various themes of early-19th-century Romanticism. This clip looks at Mary Shelley’s background and major influences on her thinking and writing, giving students of English literature a broader understanding of the nature and significance of this notable work.

A university academic discusses the work of three Irish Authors. The discussion is illustrated with images from the places in Ireland that are related to the author and his/her life and work.

Sifting through questions surrounding oppression and terrorism, Spanish essayist and philosopher Fernando Savater has often analyzed religious dogma-studying those who promote it and those who oppose it. This program documents Savater's views on the social and intellectual wellsprings of terrorism and militant fundamentalism, as well as the eternal conflict between science and religion. The author of Ethics for Amador and The Task of the Hero examines...

The stories of R. K. Narayan embody the indescribable charm of learning about a new country by living among the locals. In this interview, Narayan introduces Malgudi, the fictional setting for his novels. Amid images of Mysore-his beloved hometown and model for Malgudi-he shares the details of his life, his approach to writing, and his friendship with Graham Greene. Readings by actor Madhav Sharma underscore the way in which humor is artfully mingled...

Unified by the Portuguese language, the literature of Brazil represents the cultural synthesis of three distinct influences: indigenous peoples, European emigres, and Africans brought to the New World as slaves. This program reflects on those influences as it examines the first five centuries of recorded Brazilian writing. With an overview of ancient folklore and verse, the program highlights connections between Brazilian and Baroque traditions; it...

This special production of the play was produced to celebrate the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 40th anniversary. Director Richard Monette has set the play in the time of Mussolini, giving added pathos to the senseless hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets. Megan Porter Follows, known worldwide for her starring role in Anne of Green Gables, gives a stellar performance as Juliet. The production is produced and directed by Emmy Award-winner...

Ian McKellen gives an awe-inspiring portrayal of Iago in this unique production of Shakespeare's Othello. McKellen, opera singer Willard White in the title role, and the rest of the cast have all been cited for their sterling performances. Based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage performance in Stratford, the film was presented by the BBC. The quality of this production reveals why director Trevor Nunn, the theatre phenomenon whose resume includes...

Carlos Fuentes, the celebrated writer from Mexico, has created a role for himself as interpreter of North and South America, explaining each to the other, looking at their conflicts from both sides of the border. Raised in Washington, D.C., where his father was a Mexican diplomat, he is a man of and between two worlds, both a foreign visitor to the U.S. and a native son. In this program with Bill Moyers, Fuentes offers his views on the economic and...

Bet you thought you’d never find these words in the same sentence: sharks, tuxedoes, and poetry. In this rapid-fire look at narrative poetry, you will. Thankfully, it’s also highly educational! Learn about the ancient origins of narrative poetry, typical elements, and popular forms like ballads, idylls, and epics. Beloved classics including Beowulf, The Man from Snowy River, and Paradise Lost are discussed.

The American poet Emily Dickinson decided against publishing her poems, and during her lifetime only seven of her works were ever published. During the Civil War she wrote over 800 poems. At her death she left behind over 2000 poems.