Critical Readings
Critical Readings examines key literary texts using close reading and critical analysis, and explains these approaches in discussion. Listeners will learn about the texts themselves and about how to approach a text for critical analysis.
Latest episodes
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
CR Episode 280: Tristram Shandy, Part XI
The panel discusses narrative lines straight and winding in book six, and parallel trips in France in book seven, including Tristram's three visits to Auxerre: as a child, as a young man, and in the narrative 'present' when the book is being written.Continue reading
Jul 7, 2025 • 53min
CR Episode 279: Tristram Shandy, Part X
The panel discusses the majority of the sixth book, with attention to the 'picture' of the Widow Wadman, the story of Le Fever and his orphaned son, the mode of classical dress, and the rise of the novel in both its historical and literary contexts.Continue reading
Jun 30, 2025 • 60min
CR Episode 278: Tristram Shandy, Part IX
The panel discusses the conclusion of the fifth book, with attention to how the hobby horses of Trim and Toby reappear, and what they suggest about the potential truth in ancient knowledge and the pedagogical value of learning fundamental texts by rote.Continue reading
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 15min
CR Episode 277: Tristram Shandy, Part VIII
The discussion kicks off with the discomfort of post-chaise travel and the intriguing implications of language around desire. Tristram's unconventional circumcision becomes a humorous focal point. Diving into literary legacies, the complexities of authorship and originality take center stage. The societal meanings behind words like 'whiskers' reveal fascinating ties to masculinity. Finally, a playful analysis of Rule 34 prompts thought on creativity and inspiration, all while exploring historical narratives from Nero's Rome to the absurdities of existence.
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 10min
CR Episode 276: Tristram Shandy, Part VII
The panel discusses the conclusion of the fourth book, including Walter and Toby stuck on the stairs amidst further discussion of the definition of a nose (or noes), and the inflexible irrevocability of all of the mishaps that occur during the narrative.Continue reading
Jun 9, 2025 • 54min
CR Episode 275: Tristram Shandy, Part VI
The panel reads the conclusion of book three and the beginning of book four in which the topic of noses recurs and features prominently, providing an opportunity to examine how Dr. Slop and Walter Shandy can be compared to Uncle Toby and Corporal Trim.Continue reading
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
CR Episode 274: Tristram Shandy, Part V
The panel approaches the moment of Tristram's birth beginning with the author's preface (in book 3), followed by a definition of 'nose', and a series of mix-ups involving the words 'mortar' and 'bridge' with dire implications for the unhappy newborn.Continue reading
May 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
CR Episode 273: Tristram Shandy, Part IV
The panel concludes the second book and, in a series of retrograde manoeuvres, progresses through the third book until Dr. Slop is able to receive delivery of his forceps, free them from their knotted bag, and demonstrate their usage on Uncle Toby.Continue reading
May 19, 2025 • 1h 22min
CR Episode 272: Tristram Shandy, Part III
The panel discusses book II, chapters 6–17 and Sterne's use of metanarrative focus on the correct art of oratory, the use of puns and textual elisions, the need to fill in details or leave them to readerly imagination, and the use of real-world sermons.Continue reading
May 12, 2025 • 1h 6min
CR Episode 271: Tristram Shandy, Part II
The panel discusses Tristram's father's theories about nominative determinism, the different translations of identical biblical names, and the latest contemporary French developments regarding pre-natal baptism and its theological justifications.Continue reading
