Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice

Ideal for readers new to the subject, this book presents the eleven basic schools of twentieth-century literary theory and criticism in their historical and philosophical contexts. Unlike other introductions, it explicitly presents the philosophical assumptions of each school of criticism, provides a clear methodology for writing essays according to each school's beliefs and tenets, and features accessible sample essays. Each school is examined in a consistent format. Features an exceptionally detailed glossary, and nine primary literary texts for reader analysis. Defining Criticism, Theory, and Literature. A Historical Survey of Literary Criticism. New Criticism. Reader-Response Criticism. Structuralism. Deconstruction. Psychoanalytic Criticism. Feminism. Marxism. Cultural Poetics (or New Historicism). Cultural Studies. For those interested in literature and the various perspectives on its interpretation.