Idylls of the King – Critical Readings

Alfred Tennyson with Book, by Julia Margaret Cameron FEATURED

CR Episode 132: Idylls of the King, Part V

27 June 2022 Critical Readings

The panel reads the last-composed of the Idylls, "Balin and Balan", with attention to the tale's depiction of the conflict between the Old Order and the New Order, the origin and proliferation of rumour and scandal, and the use of shadow as metaphor.

Enid, by Julia Margaret Cameron FEATURED

CR Episode 131: Idylls of the King, Part IV

20 June 2022 Critical Readings

The panel reads "Enid and Geraint", the second part of the Enid tale and the fourth of the Idylls, with attention to the opposite perils of decadence and bestiality, the significance of personal redemption, and the firm strength of Tennyson's women.

Enid Singing, by Julia Margaret Cameron FEATURED

CR Episode 130: Idylls of the King, Part III

13 June 2022 Critical Readings

In this third part of the Idylls of the King, the panel reads "The Marriage of Geraint", originally the first half of "Enid", with attention to Tennyson's use of narrative quoting and foreshadowing, and his depiction of knightly masculinity.

Gareth and Lynette, by Julia Margaret Cameron FEATURED

CR Episode 129: Idylls of the King, Part II

6 June 2022 Critical Readings

In the second Idylls of the King episode, the panel reads "Gareth and Lynette", with special attention to Gareth's demonstration of chivalry through action, the text's presentation of nobilty as essential to knightliness, and Bellicent's characterisation.

King Arthur, by Julia Margaret Cameron FEATURED

CR Episode 128: Idylls of the King, Part I

30 May 2022 Critical Readings

The panel begins a twelve-week series covering the entirety of Tennyson's Arthurian cycle, Idylls of the King, beginning with the cycle's publishing history and formal characteristics, and readings of the dedication and "The Coming of Arthur".