Literary Theory: A Guide for the Perplexed

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A&C Black, 2006 M01 1 - 184 pages
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.
 

Contents

1 What is Literary Theory?
1
2 Humanist Literary Theory
10
3 Structuralism
31
4 Deconstruction
53
5 Psychoanalysis
63
6 Feminism
91
7 Queer Theory
111
8 Ideology and Discourse
126
9 Race and Postcolonialism
147
10 Postmodernism
164
Index
180
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About the author (2006)

Mary Klages is Associate Professor in the English Department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA.

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