Synopses & Reviews
Critical Theory is crucial to any study of literature and also, as this book shows, to most of modern culture. In her friendly, approachable style, Lois Tyson emphasises the importance of Critical Theory to students, explaining its relevance and how to use it.
In this new edition, New Criticism is added to the list of six theories a psychoanalytic, Marxist, feminist, gay/lesbian, African American and postcolonial a which are explained and introduced before Tyson demonstrates how they can be employed to interpret five short literary works in the book: Emily Dickinson's I started Early -- Took My Dog, William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily, Ralph Ellison's The Battle Royal, Alice Walker's Everyday Use, and Jewelle Gomez's Don't Explain. In addition, a chapter on reader-response theory shows students how to understand their personal responses to literature and how to use their personal responses to produce more insightful interpretations while avoiding the typical pitfalls to which their personal responses make them vulnerable.
Other new features include more resources for students wishing to further their understanding of specific theories through new sections on a further practicea (TM) and a further readinga (TM) for each chapter and a a next-stepa (TM) appendix addressing additional literary works for further study that readily lend themselves to theory. The book is also updated throughout, making it the ideal first step into critical theory for students of literature, composition and cultural studies.
Synopsis
Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected to cover in their studies.
Key features include:
- coverage of major theories including psychoanalysis, Marxism, feminism, lesbian/gay/queer theories, postcolonial theory, African American theory, and a new chapter on New Criticism (formalism)
- practical demonstrations of how to use these theories on short literary works selected from canonical authors including William Faulkner and Alice Walker
- a new chapter on reader-response theory that shows students how to use their personal responses to literature while avoiding typical pitfalls
- new sections on cultural criticism for each chapter
- new further practice and further reading sections for each chapter
- a useful next step appendix that suggests additional literary titles for extra practice.
Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, Using Critical Theory is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition and cultural studies.