Literary Theory

This Guide introduces theory in a clear, accessible way, focussing on the major approaches and theorists

- Literary theory tends to be the part of their course that English students find most difficult, intimidating and genuinely 'perplexing'
- Classroom tested through the author's course at University of Colorado, USA, over the last 10 years and based on the author's successful literary theory web pages (which are widely recommended)
- Includes annotated further reading by chapter

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; and postmodernism. The final chapter points to new directions in literary and cultural theory.