Description
This Guide for the Perplexed provides an advanced introduction to literary theory from basic information and orientation for the uninformed leading on to more sophisticated readings. It engages directly with the difficulty many students find intimidating, asking 'What is ''Literary Theory''?' and offering a clear, concise, accessible guide to the major theories and theorists, including: humanism; structuralism; poststructuralism; psychoanalytic approaches; feminist approaches; queer theory; ideology and discourse; new historicism; race and postcolonialism; postmodernism. The final chapter points to new directions in literary and cultural theory.
Table of Contents
1. What is "Literary Theory?"
2. Humanist Literary Theory
3. Structuralism
Interlude: Humanism, Structuralism, Poststructuralism
4. Deconstruction
5. Psychoanalyses
Interlude: 'Self' to 'Subject'
6. Feminisms
7. Queer Theory
Interlude: History to Historicism
8. Ideology and Discourse
9. Race and Postcolonialist Theories
10. Postmodernism
Coda - 'Now what?'
Bibliography
Index
Author(s)
Mary Klages, Mary Klages is Associate Professor in the English Department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA.
Reviews
"There is nothing else like this sparkling, fresh, accessible and wise guide to literary theory for the student and other beginners."
Professor Alan Liu, UC Santa Barbara
,
“Written by literary theory teacher Mary Klages, Literary Theory: A Guide for the Perplexed is
a straightforward introduction to thinkers, writers, and subjects that students
of literature can find confusing. The overviews apply specific focus to the
most challenging ideas and concepts, and touch upon structuralism,
deconstruction, psychoanalysis, feminism, queer theory, ideology and discourse,
race and postcolonialism, postmodernism, and prominent figures of humanist literary
theory. Written in terms accessible to lay readers, Literary Theory is especially ideal for high school seniors and
freshman college students, and anyone else who can use a solid grounding in the
basics.”- Library Bookwatch, June
2007
Library Bookwatch,
"This is one of the best introductions to literary theory this reviewer has encountered. ...Anyone curious about literary theory can do no better than pick up this book. Summing up: Highly recommended. Lower-/upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and general readers." - Choice
,
"For students who are faced with literary theory for the first time, it would be hard to find a better introduction that Klages' demystifying guide." —Mark Y. Herring, American Reference Books Annual, 2008, Vol. 39
Mark Y. Herring,