The Literary Life Podcast Episode 266: “Best of” Series – An Experiment in Criticism, Ch. 5-7
The discussion delves into C. S. Lewis' concepts of myth and the importance of an enriching reading experience. The hosts explore the allure of literary fantasy while cautioning against morbid fantasies and escapism. They emphasize the need for diverse narratives that connect us to different cultures and experiences. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of literature, particularly the rise of graphic novels, and the psychological impacts of reading fiction versus nonfiction. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate a deeper engagement with literature.
01:37:32
The Power of Myth
- Myths resonate deeply, becoming objects of contemplation.
- Unliterary readers encounter myths as mere events, quickly forgotten.
A Mythic Childhood
- Angelina Stanford recalls discovering mythology books as a child.
- The experience instilled a lifelong love for myths, showcasing their extra-literary impact.
Focus on the 'How' of Reading
- Cultivate the right reading disposition, not just a long book list.
- Focus on how to read, not just what to read, especially with younger readers.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
A Love Letter to Baseball and Leisurely Walks
02:48 • 2min
The Art of Walking and Forgiveness
04:54 • 5min
The Emotional Landscape of Literature
10:02 • 22min
Cultivating a Love for Reading
31:52 • 4min
The Evolving Nature of Reading and Understanding Literature
36:15 • 5min
Fantasy and Storytelling: Navigating Realities
41:41 • 19min
The Power of Imagination in Literature
01:00:38 • 20min
The Evolving Narrative: From Books to Visual Storytelling
01:20:16 • 15min
Engaging Community and Literary Exploration
01:35:31 • 2min
The Wind and the Willows
Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows is a classic children's novel written by Kenneth Grahame. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals—primarily Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood. The novel highlights themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. It includes various adventures such as Toad's obsession with motorcars, a visit to the Wild Wood, and a climactic battle to reclaim Toad Hall from weasels and stoats. The book is known for its evocative descriptions of the countryside and its engaging characters[1][3][4].
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition[2][4][5].
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights[1][3][5].
David Copperfield
Paul Lorain
Charles Dickens
A classic novel by Charles Dickens, following the life of David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood.
The Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy is an Italian narrative poem begun around 1308 and completed around 1321. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The poem discusses the state of the soul after death and presents an image of divine justice, describing Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is an allegory representing the soul's journey towards God, drawing on medieval Catholic theology and philosophy, especially Thomistic philosophy. The work is considered one of the greatest in Italian literature and Western literature, and it helped establish the Tuscan language as the standardized Italian language.
Untitled
L.A. Paul
No description available.
The Iliad
Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].
Daughter
Daughter
null
Kristen Lovren
Experiment and Criticism
Experiment and Criticism
null
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis's "Experiment in Criticism" is a work of literary theory that explores the nature of literary taste and the process of critical evaluation. Lewis examines various approaches to literary criticism, offering his own insights and perspectives. The book's exploration of subjective and objective elements in literary judgment continues to be relevant in the field of literary studies. Lewis's insightful observations on the nature of art and the role of the critic remain valuable for readers and scholars alike. The book's clear and engaging writing style makes it accessible to a wide audience.
The faerie queene
Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" is an epic poem that allegorically explores the virtues and vices of human nature. Through its intricate narrative and rich symbolism, the poem celebrates the ideals of chivalry, piety, and justice. The poem's characters and events are often interpreted as representing abstract concepts and moral lessons. Its complex structure and allegorical depth have made it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Its enduring influence on English literature is undeniable, shaping the development of epic poetry and allegorical writing.
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
Phantastes
George MacDonald
The fairy queen
Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser's *The Faerie Queene* is an epic poem celebrating Queen Elizabeth I and exploring various virtues through allegorical characters. It's known for its complex narrative structure, rich imagery, and exploration of moral and political themes. The poem's influence on later literature is significant, and its intricate world-building continues to fascinate readers. Its blend of romance, adventure, and moral instruction makes it a landmark work of English literature.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas père
The Aeneid
Virgil
The Aeneid, written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, is a monumental work of classical literature. It follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he navigates from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he is destined to found the city of Lavinium, a precursor to Rome. The poem is divided into 12 books, with the first six detailing Aeneas' wanderings and the second six describing the war in Italy against the Latins. The epic incorporates various legends and mythological elements, glorifying traditional Roman virtues and legitimizing the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It explores themes such as duty, fate, and the relationship between the individual and society, and has had a profound influence on Western literature[2][3][4].
A Clockwork Orange
Anthony Burgess
In 'A Clockwork Orange', Anthony Burgess depicts a dystopian future where teenage gangs roam the streets, committing acts of violence and mayhem. The protagonist, Alex, narrates his experiences as the leader of such a gang and his subsequent capture and submission to the Ludovico Technique, a controversial behavioral conditioning treatment aimed at eradicating his violent tendencies. The novel delves into profound questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of individual freedom, and the role of government in shaping human behavior. Through Alex's journey, Burgess examines the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between freedom and constraint[1][3][5].
King Solomon's Mines
H. Rider Haggard
She
H. Rider Haggard
The Thirty-Nine Steps
John Buchan
Angelina and Cindy open today’s discussion of C. S. Lewis’ An Experiment in Criticism with a recap of the terms that Lewis defines in chapters 5-7, starting with myth. They talk about what it means to have an “extra-literary” experience and how to cultivate the proper attitude of a good reader. Next Cindy and Angelina dig into the definition and benefits of literary fantasy versus the dangers of morbid fantasy. They talk about our deep need for stories of “the other” and have experiences with people and places that are not the same as our own.
Another big topic of conversation is the idea of literature being escapist, particularly fantasy and fairy stories. Angelina and Cindy talk about several things related to this idea: belief and disbelief, fiction versus nonfiction, and the wonder of childhood. Cindy brings up Lewis’ comments on the comic and what relation that has to the current popularity of the graphic novel. Angelina also explains why we shouldn’t be looking to directly relate to a character in a novel in order to get something out of the book.
To view the full show notes for this episode, including quotes, poetry, and book links, please visit https://theliterary.life/266/.