Learning English Podcast - July 14, 2024
3Digest
The episode begins with a discussion of "The Power of Sympathy," the first American novel, published anonymously in 1789. The novel, written by William Hill Brown, is a love story set in New England that explores themes of class, public outlook, and the differences between North and South. The episode then transitions to Ask a Teacher, where Andrew Smith answers a question from Anora in China about the differences between the words "zest," "drive," and "desire." He explains that while all three words can describe a state of having strong or positive energy, they differ in the prepositions they are used with. The episode concludes with an American story titled "The Caliph, Cupid, and the Clock" by O. Henry. The story follows Prince Michael of Valuluna, a wealthy man who chooses to live a simple life in a park. He encounters a troubled young man who is waiting for a sign from his fiancée. The prince, despite his wealth, understands the young man's pain and offers him help. The story ends with a twist, as the young man discovers that his fiancée has chosen to be with him, and the prince, who has fallen asleep, is left with a fifty-dollar bill in his hand.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the hosts, Nikki Strong and Brian Lynn.
The Power of Sympathy: The First American Novel
This Chapter discusses the historical context of "The Power of Sympathy," the first American novel, published in 1789. It explores the novel's themes, author, and significance in early American literature.
Ask a Teacher: Zest, Drive, and Desire
This Chapter features Andrew Smith answering a question from Anora in China about the differences between the words "zest," "drive," and "desire." He explains their meanings, usage, and prepositions.
American Stories: The Caliph, Cupid, and the Clock
This Chapter presents an American story by O. Henry about Prince Michael of Valuluna, a wealthy man who chooses to live a simple life in a park. He encounters a troubled young man and offers him help, leading to a surprising twist.
Keywords
The Power of Sympathy
The first American novel, published anonymously in 1789 by William Hill Brown. It is a love story set in New England that explores themes of class, public outlook, and the differences between North and South.
William Hill Brown
The author of "The Power of Sympathy." He was an outspoken Federalist who believed in a strong national government and a stable society. He died in 1793 at the age of 28.
Zest
A noun that describes a state of having strong or positive energy and enjoyment connected to activities. It is often used with the preposition "for." For example, "She has a zest for life."
Drive
A noun that describes a strong desire to reach a goal. It is often used with the preposition "to." For example, "He really has a drive to succeed."
Desire
A noun that describes a strong longing or craving for something. It is often used with the preposition "to." For example, "She has a desire to do good."
Prince Michael of Valuluna
A wealthy man who chooses to live a simple life in a park in O. Henry's story "The Caliph, Cupid, and the Clock." He is kind and generous, and he helps a troubled young man.
O. Henry
A famous American short story writer, known for his witty and often ironic tales. His real name was William Sydney Porter.
Food for thought
A set noun phrase that describes something that should be thought about and considered carefully. It can come from many different sources, such as a news story, an idea, or an opinion.
Eye opening
An adjective that describes something that makes you see things in a new way or with new eyes.
Chew on something
An informal phrasal verb that means to think about something thoroughly.
Q&A
What was the first American novel and when was it published?
The first American novel was "The Power of Sympathy," published anonymously in 1789.
What are the key differences between the words "zest," "drive," and "desire"?
While all three words describe a state of having strong or positive energy, they differ in the prepositions they are used with. "Zest" is used with "for," "drive" with "to," and "desire" with "to."
What is the main theme of the American story "The Caliph, Cupid, and the Clock"?
The story explores the themes of wealth, happiness, and the power of time. It also highlights the importance of kindness and generosity.
What is the significance of the clock in O. Henry's story?
The clock represents the passage of time and its control over people's lives. It is a symbol of the pressure and anxiety that time can create.
What is the meaning of the phrase "food for thought"?
"Food for thought" describes something that should be thought about and considered carefully. It can come from many different sources, such as a news story, an idea, or an opinion.
What is the significance of the white cloth in the story?
The white cloth represents the young man's fiancée's decision to be with him. It is a symbol of hope and forgiveness.
What is the significance of the prince's fifty-dollar bill?
The fifty-dollar bill is a symbol of the prince's generosity and his willingness to help others. It also represents the unexpected twist at the end of the story.
What is the main message of the episode?
The episode highlights the importance of understanding the history of literature, the nuances of language, and the power of human connection.
Show Notes
Table of contents
United States
