7. Antarctic Literature and Public Perception

Stories have shaped how the world imagines Antarctica. Literature scholar Dr. Elizabeth Leane joins Clark Marchese to explore how novels, poetry, film, and expedition narratives create public ideas about a continent most people will never see. From Gothic fiction and heroic exploration stories to science fiction and contemporary environmental writing, the episode examines portrayals of Antarctica as sublime, hostile, empty, or vulnerable. Discover how literature interacts with Antarctic science and history, influences public perception, and creates emotional connections with environmental change. This conversation shows why understanding Antarctica requires examining not only its physical environment, but also the stories through which people encounter it.

Episode Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Leane

More information about Dr. Elizabeth Leane here 

Follow Dr. Elizabeth Leane on X 

Read Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Sameul Taylor Colridge. 

Find the Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge

Find Toward Antarctica by Elizabeth Bradfield

Find Who Goes There? By John W. Campbell Jr. 

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

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Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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