Critical Readings
CriticalReadings.comCritical 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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 319 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksEducationArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
The panel discusses the setting and form of the play, before discussing the first act and its complicated love quadrangle, with attention given to love and the threat of violence, and the characters' creation of overlapping plans that threaten to col... more
The panel discusThe panel discusses the end of the second temptation, with Satan's exasperation and the exhaustion of his intellect, followed by his less cunning and crafty final temptation, set high atop the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, when... more
The panel discusses the continuation of the second temptation in the desert, with Satan's various presentations of worldly power, and the explication that acceptance of any of his 'gifts' is tantamount to acknowledging his sovereignty over the recipi... more
The panel discusses the second book, with special attention to the newest appearance of Satan, his confusion, and the difference between his first temptation (bread) and this second temptation (a feast), before shifting to his offer of worldly powers... more
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Reviews
- 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 Podcasts5Klester2
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 Podcasts5BecausejakeUnited 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 Podcasts5Andrew Benson BrownUnited States4 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 Podcasts5Rob 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 Podcasts5HaezzerUnited Kingdom4 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #225 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #96 |  Saudi Arabia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #110 |  Taiwan/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #154 | Saudi Arabia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #232 | Taiwan/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Readings
What is Critical Readings about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A rigorous, text-centered discussion of classic and canonical literary works through close reading and critical analysis. Episodes frequently dissect narrative structure, character motivation, historical context, and authorial technique across works like Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Milton, and Tolkien, blending scholarly rigor with accessible, engaging conversation. Listeners can expect multi-part explorations of longer texts, commentary from guests, and a community-discussion vibe that enriches understanding of literature beyond surface readings. A notable strength is the deliberate balance between deep scholarly insight and clear, approachable explanations, making it useful for students, educators, and avid readers alike.
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How many listeners does Critical Readings get?
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How many subscribers and views does Critical Readings have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Critical Readings?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Critical Readings:
1. Strict Scrutiny
2. Critics at Large | The New Yorker
3. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
4. Advisory Opinions
5. The Ezra Klein Show
How many episodes of Critical Readings are there?
Critical Readings launched 7 years ago and published 319 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Critical Readings?
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What guests have appeared on Critical Readings?
Recent guests on Critical Readings include:
1. Aaron Poochigian
2. Heather Cross
3. Madeline Potter
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