Daniel Defoe: The Novels

ISBN-13: 9780230243200 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 240 str.

Nicholas Marsh

Opis

Daniel Defoe's writings have bred controversy since their first appearance in the eighteenth century: 'Robinson Crusoe' fuels virulent disagreements among critics, while Defoe's two scandalous women, 'Moll Flanders' and 'Roxana', can still shock us and challenge the range of our sympathies.

This essential study:
- takes a fresh look at these intriguing novels and leads the reader into close analysis of Defoe's texts, encouraging an open-minded approach to interpretation
- features chapters on the novels' openings, conscience and repentance, society and economics, women and patriarchy, and the use of 'outsider' narrators
- provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Suggested Work' to aid independent study
- offers historical and literary background, a sample of critical views, and suggestions for further reading.

Equipping students with the critical and analytical skills with which to approach Defoe's work, this inspiring guide helps readers to appreciate the brilliance of the author's writing and to enjoy the complexity of his fictional creations for themselves.

Spis treści

General Editor's Preface A Note on Editions Introduction PART I: ANALYSING DEFOE'S NOVELS Setting the Agenda Conscience and Repentance Society and Economics Women and Patriarchy Instability and the Outsider Themes and Conclusions to Part I PART II: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS Daniel Defoe's Life and Works The Place of Defoe's Novels in English Literature A Sample of Critical Views Notes Further Reading Index.

O autorze

NICHOLAS MARSH formerly taught English at Francis Holland School, Regent's Park, London, UK. He is author of the popular How to Begin Studying English Literature (now in its third edition) and many titles in the Analysing Texts series, of which he is the General Editor.