Deeply rooted in the views, responses, and history of contemporary critical theories, Texts and Contexts, Fourth Edition provides students with the knowledge and tools to write about literature effectively. The author presents a user-friendly introduction to contemporary critical theoriesùfrom new criticism to cultural studies-as part of the practice of writing about literature. Texts and Contexts innovatively incorporates a step-by-step approach in each chapter guiding readers through the application of a particular theory and giving them clear examples of how to apply what other texts cover in abstract. In addition, the text provides a wealth of writing strategies, examples, and practice tests that assist in explaining the assumptions underlying the various critical theories. Readers engage in a unique learning experience of understanding about how the process of employing these methods enriches their engagements with literature. For those interested in learning more about critical theory in literature.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Clever but too simplfied
I assigned this book in an undergraduate course that included an introduction to critical theory. The book is cleverly written and is intended to be accessible. It features sample analyses for each of the theoretical approaches, and keeps things light with occasional jokes and cartoons, which help keep theory from being intimidating. Indeed, the book is frequently entertaining. It outlines six major schools of literary criticism (New Criticism, Reader-Response, Deconstruction, Psychological criticism ... Read More
