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.

In this episode, guests Adam Shatz and Kate Wagner discuss the uses of critical theory in understanding contemporary culture. They explore topics such as social media's impact on discourse, the influence of the Frankfurt School on cultural criticism, the separation of architecture from building, and the role of cultural criticism in representing working class struggles.