What function does comedy serve? What do people in power learn by watching tragedies? In this collection of five video animations, comedian Josie Long guides us into the fascinating world of literary theory. Along the way we’ll discover two very different types of poet (and lover): The Petrarchan and The Libertine, we’re given insight into the complexity behind the term author and also learn the difference between a book and the idea of a book.
Select from the five videos below and begin your journey into the world of understanding and analysing common themes in literature.
Watch the series of animations on literary theory
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Outside the book: Comedy
Find out how making fun of society and social mishaps allowed writers like Shakespeare to produce great comedy.
Watch nowOutside the book: ComedyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Outside the book: Tragedy
Discover how renaissance tragedies such as Hamlet and The Duchess of Malfi emit strong moral and political messages.
Watch nowOutside the book: TragedyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Outside the book: Two styles of love
This video conveys how love expressed in Petrarchan and Libertine poetry says a lot about renaissance patriarchy.
Watch nowOutside the book: Two styles of loveLevel: 1 Introductory
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Outside the book: The author
Drawing on the cases of Byron, George Eliot and others, the concept of the author is outlined in this video.
Watch nowOutside the book: The authorLevel: 1 Introductory
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Outside the book: The book
What is a book? From scrolls and paperbacks to e-books, this video portrays the history and future of books.
Watch nowOutside the book: The bookLevel: 1 Introductory
Like literature? Try our FREE activities and courses
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Poetry Prescription
Feeling loving, adventurous or scared? Poetry Prescription will find you the perfect poem to reflect your mood.
Take part nowPoetry PrescriptionLevel: 1 Introductory
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Fakespeare: Rewriting the bard
Rewrite Shakespeare’s best bits for the 21st Century and reveal your inner wordsmith.
Take part nowFakespeare: Rewriting the bardLevel: 1 Introductory
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Approaching plays
Do you want to get more out of drama? This free course, Approaching plays, is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary plays. You will learn about dialogue, stage directions, blank verse, dramatic structure and conventions and aspects of performance.
Learn moreApproaching playsLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Approaching prose fiction
Do you want to get more out of your reading? This free course, Approaching prose fiction, is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary texts. You will learn about narrative events and perspectives, the setting of novels, types of characterisation and genre.
Learn moreApproaching prose fictionLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Approaching poetry
Do you want to get more out of your reading of poetry? This free course, Approaching poetry, is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary texts. You will learn about rhythm, alliteration, rhyme, poetic inversion, voice and line lengths and endings. You will examine poems that do not rhyme and learn how to compare and contrast poetry.
Learn moreApproaching poetryLevel: 2 Intermediate
Take it further with an OU English Literature degree
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BA (Honours) English Literature
If you are interested in reading between the lines, and being challenged by new ideas and ways of seeing, then this course is for you. English literature is a broad, accessible and important subject. On this course you'll study an exciting range of texts from many different periods and settings, including novels, drama and poetry, and discover an exciting variety of approaches for reading and interpreting them. You will develop your skills of analysis and communication, which will enable you to take a fresh look at familiar texts, and to encounter new texts and ideas with confidence.
Learn moreBA (Honours) English Literature
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