Lauren Oyler, known for her sharp literary criticism, discusses internet gossip, attention economy, and the role of criticism in her book 'No Judgment' with Leo Robson. They delve into themes like revenge, judgment, vulnerability, David Foster Wallace's influence, and nuances of literary criticism.
Lauren Oyler's 'No Judgment' explores internet gossip and the role of criticism in a series of interconnected essays.
Euler challenges the trend of emphasizing vulnerability in literature, advocating for nuanced and generous criticism.
Deep dives
Exploring the structure of Lauren Euler's book 'No Judgment'
Lauren Euler's book 'No Judgment' consists of six essays that feature a mix of cultural commentary and personal reflections. The essays are divided into sections critiquing cultural phenomena and delving into personal experiences such as living in Berlin and dealing with anxiety. Euler's unique approach presents a varied exploration of different topics, offering a blend of critical analysis and personal narrative.
Analyzing the concept of vulnerability in literature
Euler discusses the concept of vulnerability in literature, particularly inspired by Brené Brown's TED talk on vulnerability. She critiques the overemphasis of vulnerability in contemporary art and literature, highlighting how this theme can sometimes lead to clichés and oversimplifications. Euler's analysis challenges the idea that vulnerability is the ultimate virtue in storytelling, questioning its prevalence and impact on artistic expression.
Reflecting on the evolution of literary criticism
Euler reflects on the changing landscape of literary criticism, noting a shift towards more negative critiques in recent years. She discusses her own experience of navigating literary criticism and the challenges of balancing analytical depth with personal perspectives. Additionally, Euler explores the limitations of traditional book review structures and the importance of experimenting with new forms of criticism.
Navigating the balance between critique and kindness in criticism
In her discussion, Euler delves into the balance between critique and kindness in literary criticism. She emphasizes the need for nuanced and generous criticism that goes beyond binary judgments of good or bad. Euler underscores the significance of analytical and descriptive approaches in criticism, highlighting the power of insightful analysis over moralizing or value-based evaluations.
Lauren Oyler is one of our rowdiest and sharpest literary critics, twice causing the LRB website to crash from too much traffic, and author of the novel Fake Accounts. No Judgement is her first collection of non-fiction; a series of interlinked essays connecting internet gossip, the attention economy, and the role of criticism.
Oyler is in conversation with journalist and cultural commentator Leo Robson.