Critical Readings
CriticalReadings.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 20min
CR Episode 185: Moby Dick, Part XI
The panel discusses chapters 91–101, with attention given to the cross-ship conduct between the Pequod and the Samuel Enderby, and to the psychological effects of sea life (and its attendant disasters) upon Ishmael, Ahab, and the rest of the ship's crew.Continue reading
Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 16min
CR Episode 184: Moby Dick, Part X
The panel discusses chapters 82–90, with attention given to humour as a potential coping mechanism for Ishmael, before considering again the evidence for his identity, given his familiarity with significant legal works including Bracton and Blackstone.Continue reading
Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 4min
CR Episode 183: Moby Dick, Part IX
The panel discuss chapters 72–81 and focus particularly upon Ishmael's connexion (literal and figurative) to Queequeg, and the analogous, fated and willed relationships between the Pequod, the crew, Captain Ahab, and across humanity more generally.Continue reading
Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 37min
CR Episode 182: Moby Dick, Part VIII
The panel reads some excellent listener questions, and then discusses chapters 60–71, with special attention to the studied ambiguity of the text, Ahab's identification and contrast with Moby Dick, and the 'problematisation of the hierarchy' (ding-ding).Continue reading
Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 8min
CR Episode 181: Moby Dick, Part VII
The panel discusses chapters 52-59, with special attention given to how the structure of the narrative both anticipates and surpasses post-structuralist critiques whilst challenging the genre of the novel and changing the attitudes of its readers.Continue reading
Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 24min
CR Episode 180: Moby Dick, Part VI
The panel discusses chapters 43-51, examining the presence of Romanticism in the text and character of Ishmael, and highlighting how the text's rapid shifts in perspective and narrative focus may further structuralist and poststructuralist readings.Continue reading
Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 24min
CR Episode 179: Moby Dick, Part V
The panel discusses chapters 35-42, exploring Melville's purpose in adopting a multigeneric style, and paying special attention to Ahab's motivations, including his conception of malice and universal evil, and his understanding of justice and vengeance.Continue reading
Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 15min
CR Episode 178: Moby Dick, Part IV
The panel discusses chapters 26-34, with a particular focus on the effect of genre considerations in framing the novel, its shift into Shakespearean tonality and structure, and Melville's use of humour amidst grave and existential subject matter.Continue reading
May 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
CR Episode 177: Moby Dick, Part III
The panel discusses chapters 16-25, with a particular attention to characterisation beyond Ishmael and Queequeg--particularly that of Peleg, Bildad, Elijah, and Bulkington--and to the overarching Old Testament Biblical influences upon the narrative.Continue reading
May 22, 2023 • 1h 25min
CR Episode 176: Moby Dick, Part II
The panel reads chapters 5-15, with a special focus on the description and narrative use of religious symbolism and devotional practice, contrasting the Christian Ishmael and the pagan Queequeg to illustrate Ishmael's welcoming, fraternal worldview.Continue reading
