Literary Theory From Plato to Barthes : An Introductory History

ISBN-13: 9780333714225 / Angielski / Miękka / 1999 / 318 str.

Richard Harland

Opis

This is an account of all the major movements in literary theory up to the late 1960s, with an international focus and particular emphasis on European thinkers. The principles of each theoretical position are explained in relation to preceding and succeeding positions, and in relation to the socio-political structures and literary practices of the time. The book also includes a glossary, time charts and suggestions for further reading.

Spis treści

Preface.- Literary Theory in Classical Times.- Literary Theory in the Middle Ages.- The Rise and Fall of Neoclassicism.- Romantic Literary Theory.- Social Theories of the Nineteenth Century.- Naturalism, Symbolism and Modernism.- New Developments in Theory.- Twentieth-Century Russian Theory.- Anglo-American Criticism 1900-1960.- Phenomenological Criticism in France and Germany.- French Structuralism.- Epilogue: Into the Postmodernist Period.- Time Charts.- Suggestions for Further Reading.- Glossary.- Endnotes.- Index.

O autorze

RICHARD HARLAND is Senior Fellow on the English Program at the University of Wollongong, Australia.

Blurb

Where does the current explosion in literary theory come from? What earlier theoretical movements does it grow out of, bounce off, react against?
This introductory history homes in on the essential principles governing the major movements in literary theory, unfolding a comprehensive 'story' in all its jumps and swings and switches.
Because contemporary literary theory depends heavily upon European thinkers, the focus here is international; and because contemporary theory draws from many sources outside traditional 'literary criticism', the coverage also extends to philosophers, social theorists and linguists.
Harland looks behind particular critical judgements and interpretations in order to convey a core grasp of underlying positions. He explains the internal rationale of each position, along with its derivation and repercussions. At the same time, he shows how literary theory has taken on very different roles in different periods. He relates these different roles to particular socio-political settings, institutional contexts and creative practices.
Lucid and accessible, Literary Theory from Plato to Barthes is an invaluable aid for students seeking to make sense of contemporary literary theory.
Richard Harland is a Senior Fellow on the English Program at the University of Wollongong, Australia.