Hope is Kindled
A podcast devoted to the way stories shape us, sharpen us, and sometimes… save us.
Hope is Kindled is a literary podcast that explores classic and powerful works of literature through the lens of self-discovery, moral reflection, and enduring hope. Each episode delves into a single book, essay, or story, examining its themes, characters, and psychological depth, and connects it to timeless questions about the human condition.
What makes the podcast unique is its blend of literary criticism and warmth. It uses biographical, psychological, and historical criticism, along with personal reflection and cultural commentary—including references to Doctor Who, The Muppets, and classic film.
Please let us know what you think of our episodes, if you have any ideas for future episodes or to share your experiences looking searching for hope in the literary world.
Hope is Kindled
George Orwell’s 1984
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In this gripping and timely episode of Hope is Kindled, we explore George Orwell’s 1984, a haunting portrayal of surveillance, propaganda, and the battle for truth and identity. With biographical and psychological analysis, comparisons to Dostoevsky and Doctor Who, and a Muppet sketch that highlights the absurdity behind authoritarian control, we confront the dangers of a world where love is forbidden and history is rewritten. Still, we search for hope — in memory, in rebellion, and in the quiet belief that the human spirit can resist even the darkest of futures.
