Synopses & Reviews
In what sense is a consideration of a writer's intentions relevant to the reading and appreciation of his work? In the past half century, powerful arguments have been advanced that they are not relevant at all. Patrick Swinden examines the conduct of the anti-intentionalist argument by exponents of Anglo-American new criticism, European structuralism and various kinds of post-modernist theory, and finds it wanting. He enlists the aid of Kantian aesthetics and contemporary philosophy of language and action in an attempt to reinstate mental operations leading to motivated and purposive action. The philosophical argument is reinforced by examination of the ways in which Shakespeare and other writers represent motive, intention and purpose in their work.
Synopsis
This book attempts to reinstate the importance of authorial intention by examining arguments against it from a variety of sources - American New Criticism, European Structuralism and various kinds of postmodernist theory. It enlists the aid of Kantian aesthetics and contemporary philosophy of language and action, as well as studying the play on intention in the manipulation of character and action in the work of Shakespeare and other English writers from 1600 to the present day.
Synopsis
An analysis of the argument about intention in the study of literature, with reference to Kant and contemporary philosophers of language and action.
Synopsis
This book examines the conduct of the anti-intentionalist argument by exponents of Anglo-American new criticism, European structuralism, and various kinds of post-modernist theory, and finds it wanting.
About the Author
Patrick Swinden is Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Manchester.
Table of Contents
Good Intentions * Shakespeare * Coleridge and Kant * Milton, Sterne, Prince * Epilogue * Index