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Critical Readings

CriticalReadings.com
Antony and Cleopatra
Le Morte Darthur
Shakespeare
Cleopatra
John Dryden
King Arthur
Roman War Sequence
Egypt
Rupi Kaur
Marc Antony
Malory
Mark Antony
Lady Mary Wroth
Octavius Caesar
All For Love
Arthurian Legends
Emperor Lucius
Sir Lancelot
William Shakespeare
Roman Empire

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes298Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationArtsBooks

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Latest Episodes

The panel concludes The Dunciad with a full reading of the standalone text that became the fourth book of the 1743 edition, before examining Pope's position within the canon of early modern literature and examining his critical appraisal of his cultu... more

The panel reads the third book of the 1743 Dunciad, in which the poem swells to its crescendo, heaping scorn upon the agents of Dullness and the rampant spirits of ignorance and commercialism that threaten the survival of the arts from opera to poetr... more

The panel discusses the second book of Alexander Pope's final Dunciad (of 1743), with attention to the historical personages who are satirised, including Flecknoe and Blackmore, and the effects that they had on later poets and on the English stage.Co... more

The panel reads in full the first book of Pope's final version of The Dunciad, giving special attention to the various cultural references and personal depictions in the poem, along with a look at the parodic critical footnotes provided by the author... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Heather Cross
Novelist and playwright; author of the forthcoming novel 'Amanda'
Europa Editions
Episode: CR Episode 284: Poetry and Music
Madeline Potter
Episode: CR Episode 244: Wuthering Heights, Part III

Hosts

Dr. Sean Philip Cooper
Host of Critical Readings, specializing in the analysis of literary texts through critical approaches, often noted for his scholarly insight and engaging discussions.
Dr. Drew Keane
Co-host of Critical Readings, recognized for his contributions as a literary analyst and his engaging commentary on literary themes and texts.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 159 ratings
  • I love this book club/podcast

    This is a wonderful podcast for people open to learning about literature, plays, and poetry beyond what they have already experienced. It is just the right blend of serious scholarship with pop cultural references and humor. A special treat is being able to post comments on the website and to have interchanges amongst the book club members as well as with the professionals. I don’t know of any other podcast that does this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Klester2
    United States2 years ago
  • Wonderful Insight and Recommendations

    For a long time I have enjoyed writing self-reflective prose and poetry, but I’ve never felt I’ve had the tools to write well. This podcast has given me some inspiration to continue writing and experimenting both in writing and in music.

    So few modern musicians still possess such rich poetic power (though Joe Pug and Marcus Mumford may be an exception). But, podcasts like this keep the knowledge of great poetry alive, so that just like Longfellow’s “footprints on the sands of time,” we might b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Becausejake
    United States3 years ago
  • Best poetry podcast

    As a practicing poet, I have searched long and hard for podcasts that do in-depth analyses of the great works. Most just do snippets of readings, and many focus on contemporary free-versers with a political agenda who are, in the scheme of things, highly forgettable. Only a handful analyze works of the past, and this is the only one I’ve found that does multi-part episode series on longer works. Great for students, practitioners looking to better understand their craft, and general interest.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Andrew Benson Brown
    United States3 years ago
  • Utterly brilliant

    Utterly brilliant.

    I’m listening to all previous episodes as well.

    Gray's Elegy or Lyrical Ballads seems a good place to start. These are wonderful episodes.

    Will go back to Milton’s Paradise Lost after that.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rob Dougan London
    United Kingdom4 years ago
  • Excellent literature podcast

    The tone of this podcast is marvellous for those seeking a rejuvenated approach to reading great poetry. Highly recommend if you a lover of Milton, Spenser, Coleridge or any of the pantheon of Great English poets.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Haezzer
    United Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many find the podcast a valuable resource for both self-reflection in writing and enhancing literary knowledge.
The hosts are frequently praised for their engaging and enthusiastic dialogues that make complex topics accessible.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth analysis and scholarly approach in discussions about various literary texts.
The blend of humor with serious literary discussion is often highlighted as a unique aspect that enriches the listening experience.
Overall, there is a strong recommendation for students and practitioners who wish to deepen their literary appreciation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#137
Ireland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

CR Episode 295: The Dunciad, Part I
Q: Can you recommend more contemporary poetry?
Yes, there are many recommendations including James Matthew Wilson and Jane Clark Charle, both of whom are leading voices in formalism today.
CR Episode 234: Le Morte Darthur, Part IX
Q: What does Mallory mean by the word 'let'?
The hosts discuss the ambiguity of the term 'let' and its implications on Arthur’s intentions regarding tragedy he permits among his knights.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Readings

What is Critical Readings about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A focus on key literary texts characterized by close reading and critical analysis is at the heart of the content. With hosts engaging in in-depth discussions, the episodes provide insights into a wide range of literature, including classic and contemporary works. Topics span historical contexts, thematic explorations, and stylistic elements, making it appealing not only to literature enthusiasts but also to educators and students seeking a deeper understanding of literary analysis. Listeners are likely to appreciate the blend of scholarship and enthusiasm present in the dialogues, as well as the practical advice offered on engaging with texts critically, making this an excellent resource for those interested in literature's multifaceted na... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Critical Readings?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Critical Readings:

1. In Our Time
2. The Rest Is History
3. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. The Rest Is Politics

How many episodes of Critical Readings are there?

Critical Readings launched 6 years ago and published 298 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Critical Readings?

Recent guests on Critical Readings include:

1. Heather Cross
2. Madeline Potter

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