50 min

‘Discomfortable Bodies’ in Renaissance Literature‪.‬ OxPods

    • Courses

The literature of the Renaissance is full of fascinating undercurrents, and using different approaches to these works opens conversations around some difficult themes, indeed certain works of literature from the 16th and 17th centuries create feelings of ‘discomfort’. This term can be used to discuss themes of transformation, translation, creation and generation, summarised in the concept of ‘discomfortable bodies’. In this episode, Amelia Glover-Jewesbury interviews Lynn Robson, considering the remarkable life and work of poet Hester Pulter, and the idea of ‘discomfortable bodies’ linking her work to other works such as the ‘Masque of Blackness’ by Ben Jonson, and the work of Marlowe, Ovid and Donne. With this concept of ‘discomfortable bodies’, we can consider ideas of bodies, vulnerability, blackness, pregnancy and desire.

 

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racist portrayals, abortion, and seduction. Listener discretion is advised.



Host: Amelia Glover-Jewesbury

Editor: Freya Radford

Looking to make the most of Oxford’s world-leading professors, we decided to set up a platform to interview these academics on the niche, weird and wonderful from their subjects. We aim to create thought-provoking and easily digestible podcast episodes, made for anyone with an interest in the world around them, and to facilitate university access and outreach for students aspiring to Oxford or Cambridge. 

 To learn more about OxPods, visit our website ⁠www.oxpods.co.uk⁠⁠, ⁠or follow us on socials ⁠@ox.pods. ⁠ ⁠ If you would like an audio transcription of this episode, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

OxPods is made possible through the support of our generous benefactors. Special thanks to: St Peter's College JCR, Jesus College JCR & Lady Margaret Hall JCR for supporting us in 2024.

OxPods © 2023 by OxPods is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

The literature of the Renaissance is full of fascinating undercurrents, and using different approaches to these works opens conversations around some difficult themes, indeed certain works of literature from the 16th and 17th centuries create feelings of ‘discomfort’. This term can be used to discuss themes of transformation, translation, creation and generation, summarised in the concept of ‘discomfortable bodies’. In this episode, Amelia Glover-Jewesbury interviews Lynn Robson, considering the remarkable life and work of poet Hester Pulter, and the idea of ‘discomfortable bodies’ linking her work to other works such as the ‘Masque of Blackness’ by Ben Jonson, and the work of Marlowe, Ovid and Donne. With this concept of ‘discomfortable bodies’, we can consider ideas of bodies, vulnerability, blackness, pregnancy and desire.

 

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racist portrayals, abortion, and seduction. Listener discretion is advised.



Host: Amelia Glover-Jewesbury

Editor: Freya Radford

Looking to make the most of Oxford’s world-leading professors, we decided to set up a platform to interview these academics on the niche, weird and wonderful from their subjects. We aim to create thought-provoking and easily digestible podcast episodes, made for anyone with an interest in the world around them, and to facilitate university access and outreach for students aspiring to Oxford or Cambridge. 

 To learn more about OxPods, visit our website ⁠www.oxpods.co.uk⁠⁠, ⁠or follow us on socials ⁠@ox.pods. ⁠ ⁠ If you would like an audio transcription of this episode, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

OxPods is made possible through the support of our generous benefactors. Special thanks to: St Peter's College JCR, Jesus College JCR & Lady Margaret Hall JCR for supporting us in 2024.

OxPods © 2023 by OxPods is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

50 min