The LRB Podcast
Jane Austen, Simone de Beauvoir and Herodotus
Aug 21, 2024
Clare Bucknell, a literary contributor, and Colin Burrow, an expert on Austen, dive into the social intricacies of 'Emma,' especially a revealing picnic scene. Judith Butler, a leading philosopher, joins Adam Shatz to discuss misogyny and the dualities of womanhood from 'The Second Sex,' shedding light on societal constructs. Meanwhile, Emily Wilson and Thomas Jones unpack Herodotus' 'Histories,' exploring the narrative complexities of truth and empire, plus their insights on cultural practices that define Greek identity.
30:33
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast analyzes Austen's 'Emma' to highlight social etiquette through the Box Hill picnic scene, revealing tensions and class distinctions among characters.
- A discussion on Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' emphasizes the duality of women's existence in patriarchal narratives, highlighting contradictions that shape male identity.
Deep dives
The Dynamics of Social Satire in Austen's Work
The discussion centers on Jane Austen's novel 'Emma,' particularly the pivotal Box Hill picnic scene, where character interactions reveal underlying tensions and class distinctions. This scene serves as a microcosm of social etiquette, showcasing how appearances can be deceiving, as secrets and misunderstandings simmer beneath a facade of cheerful socializing. The passive voice used by Austen highlights a collective discomfort among characters, suggesting that the source of the miscommunication is diffuse and not attributable to any single individual. Through this analysis, it is evident how Austen employs social settings to explore complex character dynamics and critique societal norms.
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