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
Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 2min
CR Episode 191: Frankenstein, Part II
The panel discusses the second volume of Frankenstein (chapters 8–16) focusing on the moral qualities of Victor Frankenstein and of his creature, their connexion to Paradise Lost, and the dangerous results of mankind usurping the creative place of God.Continue reading
Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 54min
CR Episode 190: Frankenstein, Part I
Dr. Madeline Potter discusses Mary Shelley's influences and the creation of Frankenstein. They analyze the framing structure, challenges in creating narrative voice, and blurring boundaries in the novel. The concept of monstrosity is explored and contrasting views on happiness and the sublime are discussed. The message of Frankenstein, its themes of responsibility and monstrous children, and the protagonist's evasion of responsibility are also analyzed.
Aug 21, 2023 • 59min
CR Episode 189: Sonnets of Gerard Manley Hopkins
The panel reads and discusses "God's Grandeur", "Thou art indeed just, Lord, if I contend", and "The Windhover", attending to their Romantic underpinnings, anticipation of modern poetic developments, and formal characteristics including 'sprung rhythm'.Continue reading
Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 34min
CR Episode 188: Moby Dick, Part XIV
In the final episode on Moby Dick, the panel discusses the fulfilment of Fedallah's prophecy and his death, Starbuck's dilemma and despair, the destruction of the Pequod, the death of Ahab, Ishmael on the margins, and some final genre considerations.Continue reading
Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 30min
CR Episode 187: Moby Dick, Part XIII
In the penultimate Moby Dick episode, the panel discusses chapters 114–128, focusing on the ship's sails, quadrant, compass, and line; the refashioning of the Pequod into the expression of Ahab's will; and Ahab's final abandonment of his humanity.Continue reading
Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 28min
CR Episode 186: Moby Dick, Part XII
The panel discusses the Ahab's representation as a wrathful, inhuman avatar of anti-nature, the hellish nature of the Pequod, the sorcerous conniving of the captain and crew, and the abandonment of every comfort and sentiment in search of Moby Dick.Continue reading
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
