Critical Readings

The panel discusses the conclusion of Beowulf—including Beowulf's final battle and his victorious death—with particular attention given to the didactic purpose of the poem, its framing of leadership and loyalty, and its function in historical context.
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The panel discusses the second of Beowulf's battles—this time, against Grendel's vengeful mother—with special attention to the nature of his foe and the particularly fantastic setting of the battle, which takes place deep beneath the water of the fens.
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Dr. Madeline Potter joins the panel just in time for the first-ever Readers' Choice series: the Old English poem, Beowulf. The panel reads of Beowulf's battle with Grendel, with special attention to how honour is won and defended by Geats and Danes.
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The panel discusses the conclusion of The Candle in the Wind, with a look at Mordred's unreal motivations, Arthur's ultimate victory or failure, Guenever's personal agency, and the development of Gawaine beyond the initial limits of his character.
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The panel discusses chapters 6–10 of the final book in The Once and Future King, with attention to Arthur's philosophical character, particularly whether his political theories serve as a prison which prevents the kind of action that could save his realm.
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