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This episode deals with the three main dreams in Shakespeare’s Richard III - culminating with a “nightmare” the Richard experiences with the characters of twelve people who had killed who he felt were in his way.  Ranging from his brother to loyal servants - Richard begins to realize that he lost important human relationships in his ruthless obtain power.  This episode ends with a brief look at some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines regarding dreams.Why did Elizabethan audiences look at dreams than we do today?Why do the various characters mean by “despair and die?’Who is involved in the first or “overboard: dream?What animal is in Richard’s herald?Who is in Richard’s dream the night before the Battle of Bosworth?Who is Richard’s nemesis?What are some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines regarding dreams?00:00 Intro02:00 Clarence’s dream05:47 The Second Dream08:00 Third Dream (before Battle of Bosworth)16:04 Richard’s introspection18:22 Most famous lines regarding dreams from other works19:51 Future episodes21:25 Sources 22:23 Outro

Episode 127This episode examines the process of interpreting a play by Shakespeare, using Richard III (and other plays) as examples.   George talks about such areas as the positioning of the interpreter, the advantages of ASL, the use of rhetorical devices, and the need for preparation. In conclusion, George describes how he began interpreting plays by Shakespeare, and now appears to hold the record of interpreting more plays by Shakespeare than any person in the English-speaking world.00:00 Intro02:30 ASL and interpreting03:25 Views of deafness06:13 History and structure of American Sign Language/Interpreting10:35 Positioning of the interpreter15:58 Hamlet at West Virginia University19:18 Language and expressing concepts22:43 Parallelism in ASL 28:01 Anaphora in American Sign Language29:07 Director’s vision30:55 Need for preparation34:20 Personal experience36:10 Preparation40:45 Conclusion42:22 Sources 44:15 Future episodes44:45 OutroDescribe the medical versus cultural views of deafness.Which view would view a Deaf person as someone who needs to be “fixed?”What view sees Deaf persons as a distinct group with their own language?What is the appropriate form of sign language to use with a play by Shakespeare?is there a commonly used universal sign language?What are the three main forms of stage locations for interpreters?Which is the most expensive for a theatrical company?Can ASL show rhetorical devices?What is the majority of the work done by an theatrical interpreter?How can a computer be used by an interpreter to prepare for a gig interpreting a Shakespearean play?What book does George suggest as the best for learning Elizabethan terms?

This episode features a visit from the Ghost of Mr. Shakespeare as the Bard and George attend a rehearsal of Butler University’s rap version of Richard III - Ricky 3.  Mr. Shakespeare proves himself to be a most agreeable chap, and George and the Bard attend a full rehearsal of an unconventional Richard III that is both innovative and respectful of the original.  This is the final podcast episode before the full run of Ricky 3  - with performances on July 21, 22, and 23, as well as July 28, 29, and 30 at Taggart Ampitheatre in Riverside Park, Indianapolis.  There is no charge for what should be an incredible experience!00:00 Intro02:18 Info about Richard III/Ricky 304:15 Mr. Shakespeare on Richard III11:46 “Now is the winter of our discontent”15:12 Innovative additions17:24 Info about attending performance21:14 Future Episodes22:15 Sources23:07 Outro What is Original Pronunciation? What group of actors was Richard III written for? Who originally played Richard III? How does Richard/Ricky first address the audience? What is especially unique about the Battle of Bosworth in the Butler University production? What are the dates for the production (ok, this borders on a plug)

This episode starts by briefly looking at some of accounts of dreams in world literature.  Then the episode specifically delves into Poe’s three major “Dream Poems” - A Dream, Dreamland, and the classic A Dream Within a Dream.  The ghost of Mr. Poe also takes a look at “Imitation” - a poem that is said to highly influence “A Dream Within A Dream." 00:00 Intro 01:16 Interpreting Richard III 03:12 Dreams in Literature 9:56 A Dream 11:54 Dreamland 17:32 Imitation and A Dream Within a Dream 24:59 Future Episodes 26:43 Sources 27:03 Outro What are some examples of dreams in word literature? Explain how the subject of dreams runs through Poe’s works. Which is darker - A Dream or Dreamland? What is Poe’s most famout “dream poem“ How did ‘imitation” influence “A Dream Within a Dream”

This episode weaves an account of many of the basic concepts regarding the War of 1812 with the stories of two VERY different men - the kindly and aristocratic Francis Scott Key, and the rude, obnoxious, and arrogant John Randolph of Roanoke.  The episode is based on am earlier episode called The War pf 1812 - an episode which has had more downloads than any other episode.Some of the major causes of the conflict are discussed, as well as what the conflict did (and did not) accomplish. What does the War of 1812 have to do with “loose ends”? Were Americans in agreement regarding the conflict? What is Klinefelter’s Syndrome? What does it have to do with John Randolph of Roanoke?What was Francis  Scott Key’s occupation?What was especially unusual about t e writing of The Star Spangled Banner?Were Key and RAndolph friends?  How do we know?Compare the burning of the Capitol building in 1814 with the invasion of the Capitol in 2021. 00:00 Intro 01:28 Understanding the War of 1812 05:28 John Randolph Intro 09:10 John Randolph and others 17::00 War of 1812 19:05 Francis Scott Key and David Poe and John Randolph 23:48 Comparison and Contrast  of Capitol Invasions  of 1814 and 2021 26:49 Future episodes 27’36 Sources 22:21 Outro

This episode is baed on a very personal letter sent by Bram Stoke (the author of Dracula) to Walt Whitman. Stoker express (in  almost homoerotic) tones his admiration for Whitman - and the episode points out that Walt Whitman has been suggested as a model for Dracula! Did Poe write any works about vampires or the undead? Explain.  What was Poe;s final complete poem? What was Stoker;s life like as a young writer? On what day did Stoker send his first letter to Whitman? What do you think Stoker meant in his letter by “my kind?”   What does “call me by your name” mean? What does “Tickle Drop” mean to you? 01:18 Intro to the subject of Poe and the undead 02:30 Annabel Lee 04:18  Continuation regarding inspiration for Dracula 05:23 Stoker’s childhood and youth 06:47 Life as a young writer 07:57 Letter to Whitman 19:31 Reply from Whitman 20:58 Whitman as main influence for Dracula 22:39 Whitman’s Tickle Drops poem 23:53 Future Episodes 25:48 Sources 26:07 Outro

This episode is about the many facets of America’s Poet - Walt Whitman.  George attempts to take a deep dive (as much as possible in a single podcast episode) into the personal life of Walt Whitman, fully knowing that millions of words have been written about him. Learn about the time that Whitman met Poe. Learn a VERY embarrassing (but hopefully enlightening) story about George. Learn about MAJOR differences between different editions of Leaves of Grass, Learn why the Calamus poems were so controversial. Learn about the time that Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde met. Learn how Rufus Griswold (yes, THAT Griswold) trashed Whitman. Learn how Whitman was considered undesirable and shocking for “decent ears.” Learn how lawyers of the time considered Whitman a homosexual because he never smoked, and did not enjoy war. 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Whitman and Poe07:22 “Shame” around the campfire09:01 Whitman’s life12:31 Comparison of versions from Leaves of Grass16:53 Civil War and Beat! Beat! Drums!18:40 O Captain, My Captain21:04 from Crossing Brooklyn Ferry 22:14 Calamus poems29:13 Reflections on public perceptions30:49 Walt Whitman’s Anomaly34:16 Whitman and intimate relationships?36:01 Rufus Griswold’s opinions38:30 Meeting of Wilde and Whitman40:41 Conclusion44:20 Future Episodes44:52 Sources45:54 Outro

This episode is about a very popular writer from the 19th century who is little known today - Fitz-Greene Halleck.  This episode concentrates on his time in New York and relationship with the extremely handsome Joseph Rodham Drake. 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Early life   02:54 Discussion of Hearing Loss  07:02 Fitz-Greene goes to New York 11:17 Joseph Rodman Drake (and names) 13:22 Sir Francis Drake story 19:01 Halleck and Drake’s Relationship 27:52 Monuments erected to Halleck 31:12 Future Episodes 31:37 Sources Learn about Halleck’s early life in a small town Learn about his membership in the Ugly Club Listen to Mr. Bartley’s childhood story about “Sir Francis” and marriage equality Learn where “to clasp thy hand in mine” comes from Learn about the love between Greene and Joseph Drake Learn about the statue of Halleck in Central Park

Welcome back!  George has been off for several weeks, and is back in the saddle with more of the complexities of Edgar Poe, his works, his times, and his influences. This episode is about Joseph and His Friend - generally agreed to be the first novel about a same-sex relationship in the United States.  Reactions to the novel are dealth with, as well as a section that borders on the steamy! 00:00 Introduction  05:00 Was Poe gay? 06:52 Intro to Bayard Taylor  10:20 Edgar Allan Poe on Bayard Taylor 11:00 Joseph and His Friend 14:21 Plot of novel 17:25 Reactions to novel 19:22 Excerpt from Joseph and His Friend 32:25 Preview of Pride Month and Future Episodes 33:56 Sources 34:33 Outro EXPERIENCE the heart-wrenching story of Joseph and Phillip Learn about what is generally agreed to be the first American gay novel Learn about Bayard Taylor and why is not popular today Learn about the REAL Joseph and his “friend” Learn what Poe thought of Bayard Taylor

The first part of this episode is an examination of the courses that Poe took at the University of Virginia, and the unique qualities of the instructors.  This episode then deals specifically with the writer’s use of alcohol - especially at the University of Virginia.00:01  Introduction02:18  Similar courses at other universities05:30 Classes at University of Virginia06:25 Ancient Languages09:31 Modern Languages12:39 Use of alcohol at the University13:24 Information from Harry Poe20:07 Heredity and alcohol use25:21 Poe and Sons of Temperance27:48 Next episode28:00 SourcesWhat courses did Poe take at the University of Virginia?How much money did Poe receive from John Allan to pay for those courses?Was it enough?Did Poe seem to enjoy the taste of alcohol at the University of Virginia?Describe Poe’s association with an early forerunner to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Podcast: The Thomas Jefferson Hour Suggested online course (free!) at coursera from UVA - The Age of Jefferson Episode number 118 Jefferson’s DreamThis episode of Celebrate Poe begins with a portion of a letter written by the aging Thomas Jefferson to John Adams about Jefferson’s dream - the establishment of what was to become the University of Virginia.  Then this episode takes a brief look at the ideas and principles of Thomas Jefferson.The episode shifts to the second year of UVA’s operation, and the entrance of young Edgar Allan Poe as a student.  This episode also deals with the selection of the faculty, Poe’s residences at UVA, and Poe’s role in the Jefferson Literary Society.00:01 Introduction00:42 Letter from Jefferson to Adams02:01 Thomas Jefferson07:37 Founding the University of Virginia10:57 Selecting the faculty17:35 Poe becomes a student at UVA23:00 Room on the Lawn (with Miles George)25:01 Athletic achievements and physical appearance26:46 Poe’s West Range Room27:55 Jefferson Literary Society31:28 Future Episodes31:53 Sources   

Episode number 116 Money, Part 2The first part of this episode takes a deeper look into the portion of John Galt Sr.s estate that was left to John Allan.  The purchase of Moldavia is introduced, as well as some of the disagreements that the young Poe had with John Allan.The second part of this episode deals with the Molly of Moldavia - her life as a hostess to Federalists, opening a boarding house, and writing what is often referred to as “the first American cookbook.”  Comparisons are drawn between Mary (Molly) Randolph and Martha Stewart! 00:01 Introduction 01:02 Scheduling of podcast 03:00 William Galt Sr. 08:40 Moldavia 11:54 Letter from Poe to John Allan 15:30 Randolph family 16:10 Mary Randolph 21:19 “Leaving her pedestal” 22:22 The Virginia Housewife 32:3 8 Future episodes 32:08 Sources What home did John Allan purchase after John Galt’s death? What was the home called? What do you believe Edgar Poe’s relationship with John Allan was like? What is Moldavia a combination of? Who wrote “The Virginia Housewife?” Why is the cookbook important?

Episode number 116 Money, Part 1The longer part of this episode repeats the basics of the first episodes about HOW the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe started this podcast - from Alderman Library to George’s apartment - the clincher for George is when he realized that Poe was reading George’s mind. 00:01  Introduction 00:12  Introduction to ghost of Poe 03:02 Encounter at the University of Virginia 04:19 Ghost of Poe enters 09:45 The ghost of Poe’s proposal 12:32 The ghost of Poe reappears 16:13 The ghost of Poe names a podcast 19:02 History of John Galt and relatives 21:06 Inheritance of John Galt to John Allan 21:56 Sources Where did the ghost of Edgar Poe first appear to George? Why did the ghost of Poe want a podcast? What was the problem with Mr. Poe’s first idea for a podcast title? Did John Galt Sr. ever marry? How much did John Galt leave John Allan? How much is $750,000 worth today?

Episode number 115 - Is This Poe’s Greatest Work? This episode delves into 3 poems by Edgar Poe - His first surviving poem. Fanny To Helen (one of this greatest) What was Poe’s first surviving poem?What is Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Rule?How does it apply to the Beatles, Poe, or almost any artist?Who inspired the poem “Fanny”?Who inspired the poem “To Helen?”What did James Russell Lowell think of “To Helen”?What are the most famous lines of “To Helen?”Name one reason those lines are so great.

This episode deals with 2 more chapters of The Home Life of Poe - Schoolboy Love Affairs and Rosalie Poe.  Susan Archer Talley writes movingly about Poe’s first romantic attaction, its tragic conclusion, his sister Rosalie Poe, the strange effect of wine on both Edgar and Rosalie.  Finally George looks into some of the dynamics of Deafness - why Susan Archer Talley’s deafness may have made her the ideal person to write a book about Poe, and how art starts in the heart (not the ear) and is meant to touch hearts. Who do most scholars believe was Poe’s first ideal love? What seemed to be the effects of wine on Rosalie and Edgar (even at a young age)? Who was the inspiration for “To Helen"? Was Susan Archer Talley adventitiously deaf? What could Keats mean by “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard/Are sweeter” 02:00 Schoolboy Love Affairs 05:30 Devotion of and love for Mrs. Stannard 10:44 Rosalie Poe 12:42 Effects of wine 13:28 William Henry Poe 15:14 Dynamics of Deafness 16:30 Advantages of deafness? 21:37 Poets who happen to be deaf 25:32 Visual experiences and art’s purpose in touching hearts 29:23 Next week’s epsiode  29:33 Sources 

This episode deals with 2 chapters of The Home Life of Poe - Poe’s Boyhood and Poe’s Boyhood.  In her unique style, Susan Archer Talley describes Poe’s life from the standpoint of an extremely intelligent and observant Deaf lady from Richmond who knew Poe and was of the aristocratic class. Why is Susan Archer Talley’s bio of Poe so unique?According to Talley, how did the young Poe dress?What scary events occured that could have colored Poe’s early imagination?How many whippings did Poe get while at Burke’s?What does Susan Archer Talley mean by Mr. Allan never alowed Poe to lose sight of the boy's dependence on Mr. Allan's charity?”Did Poe go to dancing school?Did the young Poe attend church?What would be the effect of a “thimble full” of alcohol do to the young Poe? 00:01 Introduction04:20 The Allan Home07:42 Disciplining the young Poe 10:13 More stories about the young Poe11:57 Poe as the product of Southern culture18:44 Poe’s boyhood20:10 Mr. Mackenzie as Poe’s friend26:11 More stories about Poe by those who knew him41:40 Correspondence with Hal Poe regarding Poe’s problems with alcohol45:22 Poe’s disposition and the literary arts

Episode 112 Poe and Elton John This episode deals with the surprisingly combination of a deaf lady from Richmond and Edgar Allan Poe’s home life.  The difference between primary and secondary sources is discussed, as well as the importance of Susan Archer Talley.  Then George reads (with an occasional comment or two) the first two chapters of Susan Archer Talley’s classic “The Home Life of Poe.”  Those chapters go by the name of  “A Glimpse of Edgar Allan Poe” and “Poe’s First Home.”  The episode ends with some comments made by Elton John regarding Ryan White acting as the catalyst to cause the singer to stop abusing substances (comparing his drug use to that of Poe.) When is Women’s History Month? When is Deaf History Month? What does Susan Archer Talley have to do with Poe? What is the difference between a primary and secondary source? Is “The Home Life of Poe” a primary sources or secondary source? What trending remarks did Elton John make about Ryan White? What do Poe and Elton John have in common ??? 00:01 Introduction 00:18 An apology and explanation 01:56 National Deaf History Month 04:16 Introduction to Susan Archer Talley 10:06 Primary and secondary sources 14:40 Introduction to The Home Life of Poe 18:36 Chapter 1 - First Glimpse of Poe 30:47 Chapter 2 - Poe’s First Home 37:02 Poe and Elton John 40:45 Future Episodes 41:15 Sources

Episode 111 Poe Encounters Lafayette Heart to Heart International MAP International Operation USA Catholic Relief Services Samaritan's Purse UNICEF USA Save the Children Matthew 25: Ministries Center for Disaster Philanthropy Water Mission Direct Relief Project HOPE GlobalGiving World Help Americares Mercy Corps International Medical Corps This episode begins with a series of charities that allow you to help the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  The main part of this episode concentrates on Lafayette's background, his years in the United States during the Revolutionary War, and his visit to the United States in 1824 - with emphasis on his connection to the young Poe. Why was General Lafayette so widely celebrated?Name one thing that Poe and Lafayette had in common.How long did it take Lafayette to travel across the Atlantic?How did Lafayette help the United States?Describe Lafayette’s relationship to General David Poe.How did young Poe encounter Lafayette?What did General Lafayette say to the General Assembly in Richmond?Describe the friendship between General Lafayette and James Armistead.  00:01 Introduction00:45 Helping Ukraine03:38 Lafayette in France06:15 Lafayette decides to help the United States07:58 Lafayette in America12:59 Lafayette is invited back to the United States15:54 Lafayette visits Baltimore18:30 Lafayette visits Richmond27:42 Future episode28:14 Sources

Episode 110 - Helping UkraineSources where you can help Ukraine GlobalGiving Heart to Heart International MAP International Operation USA Catholic Relief Services Samaritan's Purse UNICEF USA Save the Children Matthew 25: Ministries Center for Disaster Philanthropy Water Mission Direct Relief Project HOPE GlobalGiving World Help Americares Mercy Corps International Medical Corps

Episode 109 - Poe - the Long Distance SwimmerPoe - the Long Distance Swimmer focuses on Poe’s swim (when he was a teenager) at least 6 miles across the James River against the tide.  This episode also discusses George’s experiences with long-distance swimming, as well as those of Diana Niad’s 111 mile swim from Cuba to the United States.  The episode concludes with an assesment by George Thomas Clark of what kind of athlete Edgar Poe might be today based on the poet’s physical size and abilities. 00:01 Introduction 04:21 Background to physical exercise 06:28 First attempts at running 07:08 Initial attempts at swimming 08:43 Runner’s (or swimmer’s) high 10:07 Diana Nyad’s Cuba Swim 11:11 To Helen 16:04 Contemporary comments about Poe’s swim 19:28 George Thomas Clark’s observations regarding Poe as athlete 26:48 Comparison of Poe’s swim to that of Lord Byron  27:49 Conclusion 28:41 Sources What is (are) the connections between George’s and Diana Niad’s long distance swimming efforts and that of Poe? Where did the young Poe swim 6 miles? According to Mr. Clark, would Poe be a good runner if alive today? According to Mr. Clark, how would Poe benefit from a daily run? Heart to Heart International MAP International Operation USA Catholic Relief Services Samaritan's Purse UNICEF USA Save the Children Matthew 25: Ministries Center for Disaster Philanthropy Water Mission Direct Relief Project HOPE GlobalGiving World Help Americares Mercy Corps International Medical Corps