Critical Readings

This discussion kicks off a summer reading project on Laurence Sterne's 'Tristram Shandy,' showcasing its unique position in 18th-century literature. The hosts explore Sterne's life as a vicar, his literary evolution, and the novel's innovative style that paved the way for modern narrative techniques. There's a humorous look at parental influences and expectations, and a critique of conventional dedications. They also delve into the character of Yorick, connecting themes of death and identity, while showcasing experimental elements that break from traditional storytelling.

The panel reads the final act of Shaw's Pygmalion, and then excerpts from the epilogue, with particular attention to Shaw's preference for realism over romanticism, the utilitarian mindset of Higgins towards other people, and the role of equal treatment.Continue reading

The panel reads the fourth act in full, with a discussion of Prof. Higgins' narcissism and its collision with his deepening feelings, an examination of the contemporary social strata in British society, and a review of Shaw's later additions to the act.Continue reading

The panel discusses the third act, in which the antisocial Higgins and the gallant Pickering are exposed as juveniles by the savvy Mrs. Higgins, and Liza's speech proves insufficiently convincing when it is not backed up by the right idioms and content.Continue reading

The panel discusses Shaw's work on Wagner and a brief overview of the classical inspiration for his Pygmalion, before reading the second act with attention to the characters of Professor Higgins and Mr. Doolittle, and to contemporary social conventions.Continue reading

The panel reads the first act of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, with an introduction to the author, and a consideration of how the play reflects Shaw's interest in social welfare, especially in the context of the works of Dickens and Trollope.Continue reading

The panel concludes the novella with a look at the primary falling action and the resolution of the Mary Wortle subplot, with particular attention to Doctor Wortle's passionate loyalty compared with the abstract moral principles of contemporary society.Continue reading

The panel reads the third quarter of the novella with attention given to the romanticism of Doctor Wortle's character and how it guides his interactions with figures who disagree with his views, including his wife, Mister Puddicomb, and the Bishop.Continue reading

The panel reads parts three and four with attention given to the moral, logical, and legal conundrums that perplex Doctor Wortle, and with a consideration of how Mrs. Wortle, Mr. Puddicombe, and Mrs. Stantiloupe represent differing aspects of society.Continue reading

The panel reads the first two parts (or six chapters) of Trollope's fortieth novel, beginning with an introduction to the author and the text, followed by an examination of the titular character and the mystery surrounding Mr. and Mrs. Peacocke.Continue reading