The history and social structures of Latin America's native peoples were neither simple nor peaceful before the arrival of Europeans. Wars were fought, empires were created and destroyed, and-as this program illustrates-narrative tapestries of fact and fiction were woven in the process. Underscoring the linguistic sophistication that flourished for thousands of years in the region, the program addresses the proliferation of Nahuatl and Quechua literature,...

The stories in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book are set deep in the Indian jungle, in a dangerous world without parents - and with few rules. First published as a collection in 1894, the book's themes of belonging and identity are still relevant today.

Harvard University professorElisa New uses the Gwendolyn Brooks poem To Prisoners to examine the plight of unjustly incarcerated prisoners; featuring Anna Deveare Smith, John McCain, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Li-Young Lee, and Innocence Project Exonerees.

A twelve-part BBC Adaptation of Charles Dickens' first novel. In this concluding episode, Mr. Pickwick, Martha Bardell, and Sam Weller are released from Fleet Prison and must sort out issues caused by Mr. Winkle's runaway marriage. Starring Nigel Stock, Clive Swift, Alan Parnaby, and Jeremy Nicholas.

With Slean and Thane Scorann missing, Beowulf and Rate, Thane of the Varni, charge out into the forest in search of them. But with the Gathering fast approaching and Rheda's bid for leadership depending on the hope of ever-loyal Scorann's vote, Beowulf questions whether their disappearance might be more than a simple coincidence.

Lowell's political passion encompasses much of his greatest poetry. Lowell himself reads from his work. Elizabeth Hardwick, Robert Hass, and others discuss his development and style as illustrated by Lord Weary's Castle and Life Studies.

What was intended as a day of fun turns into a day of agony for everyone on the Box Hill excursion. Things come to a head when, egged on by Frank, Emma behaves very badly, insulting Miss Bates. She is berated by Knightley and realizes that her behavior was shameful. She tries to repair things with Jane and Miss Bates, but Jane will not see her—although Miss Bates tells her that Jane has accepted a job as a governess, and cried all night. Meanwhile,...

The main event in Greek mythology was the Trojan War, in which thousands of mortals died, while the gods watched and laid wagers on the outcome. Among the war's prime movers were Ares, god of war, whose stone heart thrived on quarrels and wars; his sister Eris, whose name means discord; and her dolorous offspring Ponos (pain), Mahes (battles), Foni (murder), Dysnomia (anarchy), Limos (famine), and Lethe (oblivion) This program focuses on Troy, where...

Start to cheer and have no fear, because you'll hear the tale of the late King Lear. It may even bring a tear to your eye, as the Standard Deviants fly into the lies, spies, and family ties of one Shakespeare's most important tragedies. You'll learn the plot and whatnot, meet the king and other things, and greet the amazing feats of Lear and his buddies.

This dramatization of Louisa May Alcott's novel is about the lives of the four March sisters. With their father fighting in the American Civil War, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth are at home with Aunt March and their mother, a very outspoken woman for her time. The story reveals how the sisters learn to navigate love, loss, and the trials of growing up. In episode two, Mr. Laurence offers his piano to Beth. Amy becomes jealous of Jo's time with Laurie and...