Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction
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Book Overview
Michael Ryan's Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction, Second Edition introduces students to the full range of contemporary approaches to the study of literature and culture, from Formalism, Structuralism, and Historicism to Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, and Global English. Introduces readings from a variety of theoretical perspectives, on classic literary texts. Demonstrates how the varying perspectives on texts can lead to different interpretations of the same work. Contains an accessible account of different theoretical approaches An ideal resource for use in introductory courses on literary theory and criticism. Designed to function both as a stand-alone text and a companion to Rivkin and Ryan's Literary Theory: An Anthology, Second Edition.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1405107200
ISBN13:9781405107204
Release Date:January 2007
Publisher:Blackwell Publishers
Length:238 Pages
Weight:0.88 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.9" x 8.8"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Fascinating and readable introduction to 'theory'
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Increasingly, movement towards interdisciplinary study and the cross-over of knowledge across disciplines is allowing for a rise in viewing 'theory' or 'theories' as a whole. A look at the various theories that Ryan deals with in his introduction illustrates this point: Marxism, Feminism, Postmodernism, Deconstruction - these are not merely 'literary' theories, but offer insights into (and critiques of) broader areas: language, society, history, knowledge and reality, the human condition and meaning. This means that the student of literary criticism gains knowledge that not only relates to how to read books and interpret texts, but on general theories that pertain to human action and social interaction.Keeping this in mind, Ryan's book can be an introduction into different ways of looking at the world, one that might open up new avenues for thinkers in many different areas, even if literary criticism is not your primary interest. Actually, this work was highly recommended to me by an esteemed historian friend, and my own background is in history and theology, not literature.
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