Approaching Shakespeare
Oxford University
Each lecture in this series focuses on a single play by Shakespeare, and employs a range of different approaches to try to understand a central critical question about it. Rather than providing overarching readings or interpretations, the series aims to show the variety of different ways we might understand Shakespeare, the kinds of evidence that might be used to strengthen our critical analysis, and, above all, the enjoyable and unavoidable fact that Shakespeare's plays tend to generate our questions rather than answer them.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 12, 2024 • 48min
Love's Labour's Lost
Emma Smith continues her Approaching Shakespeare series with a lecture on the play Love's Labour's Lost.
Dec 15, 2017 • 45min
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Professor Emma Smith gives the last of her 2017 Shakespeare lectures on his early comedy, Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Nov 9, 2017 • 48min
Henry VI, Part 2
Delve into the intricacies of Henry VI, Part 2, with discussions on its dating, authorship, and Marlowe's potential influence. Explore the themes of disunity through vivid plot points like the rebellion led by Jack Cade. Hear about the significance of quarto titles and the play's serial connections. Professor Smith highlights the prominence of powerful women and analyzes the intriguing rivalry between Eleanor of Gloucester and Margaret. The episode wraps up with a nod to circular readings and thematic repetitions that enrich the play's narrative.
Oct 25, 2017 • 48min
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Professor Emma Smith lectures on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Oct 25, 2017 • 48min
All's Well That Ends Well
Professor Emma Smith lectures on Shakespeare’s comedy All's Well That Ends Well.
Oct 25, 2017 • 50min
Cymbeline
Professor Emma Smith continues her Approaching Shakespeare series with a lecture on one of Shakespeare’s later plays, Cymbeline.
Jun 23, 2015 • 55min
Timon of Athens
Emma Smith finishes her Approaching Shakespeare series with a lecture on the play Timon of Athens.
May 18, 2015 • 50min
Julius Caesar
This podcast explores the structure, tone, and politics of Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. It delves into the significance of the cameo scene with Cinna the Poet, the justification of Caesar's assassination, the portrayal of violence, the use of echo and comedic relief, and the symbolism of Cinna's death. Additionally, it analyzes the role of poets and the portrayal of poetry in Shakespeare's works.
May 5, 2015 • 44min
Romeo and Juliet
This lecture on Romeo and Juliet tackles the issue of the spoiler-chorus, in an already-too-familiar play. This podcast is suitable for school and college students.
May 5, 2015 • 53min
Coriolanus
This lecture takes up a detail from Shakespeare’s late Roman tragedy Coriolanus to ask about the representation of character, the use of sources and the genre of tragedy. This podcast is suitable for school and college students.
