Binding: Paperback
Description: What is literary theory? Is there a relationship between literature and culture? In fact what is literature and does it matter? These are some of questions addressed by Jonathan Culler in this Very Short Introduction to literary theory. Often a controversial subject said to have transformed the study of culture and society in the past two decades literary theory is accused of undermining respect for tradition and truth and encouraging suspicion about the political and psychological implications of cultural projects rather than admiration for great literature. Here Jonathan Culler explains 'theory' not by describing warring 'schools but by sketching key 'moves theory has encouraged and speaking directly about the implications of theory for thinking about literature human identity and the power of language. In this new edition Culler takes a look at new material including the 'death of theory' the links between the theory of narrative and cognitive science trauma theory ecocriticism and includes a new chapter on Ethics and aesthetics'. This lucid introduction is useful for anyone who has wondered what all the fuss is about or who wants to think about literature today. About THE Series: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket - sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Title: Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction
Author(s): Culler Jonathan (Class Of 1916 Professor Of English And Comparative Literature Cornell University)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Barcode: 9780199691340
Pages: 192 Pages, 5 Black And White Halftones
Publication Date: 8/11/2011
Series: Very Short Introductions
Category: Literary Theory