In this episode, we are joined by Dr Karl Ågerup, Senior Lecturer at Södertörn University (previously Head of the Humanities Division and Associate Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Örebro). Dr Ågerup’s research focuses on the pedagogical and political dimensions of fictional discourse, and his latest book, Critical Responses to the Nobel Prize in Literature (2022), explores the varied critiques of this prestigious award.

We discuss the goals of the 196th Nobel Symposia and what inspired Dr Ågerup to study the criticism surrounding the Nobel Prize in Literature. He offers insights into why critics publicly engage with the Prize and breaks down the most common criticisms of its selections in the 21st century. Lastly, we explore how these critiques can serve as constructive forces in the broader struggles for autonomy and emancipation.