Literary Theory

A Practical Introduction

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by Michael Ryan

Blackwell Publishers

Due/Published February 1999, 512 pages, paper

ISBN 0631172769

It's true. We've seen plenty of "Introductions to Literary Theory." This one sounds interestingly different. Ryan demonstrates how various theoretical approaches from Formalism and Structuralism to Post-Modernism, Gender and Gay/Lesbian studies, Ethnic Criticism, Post-colonial studies, Deconstruction, Psychoanalysis, Marxism, Feminism, Historicism can all be used to read the same texts--King Lear, James's "The Aspern Papers," and a selection of Elizabeth Bishop's poems. The book also contains chapters on Cultural studies and Film studies with readings of Mildred Pierce and Pulp Fiction.

Contents

Acknowledgments.
Preface: How To Use This Book.
Part I: Formalism:
Introduction.
A Russian Formalist Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a New Critical Reading of King Lear.
A Formalist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, The Moose.
Suggestions for a Formalist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, At the Fishhouses.
Part II: Structuralism:
Introduction.
A Structuralist Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a Structuralist Reading of The Aspern Papers.
Suggestions for a Structuralist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, The Map.
Part III: Psychoanalysis:
Introduction.
A Psychoanalytic Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, In the Village and Sestina.
A Psychoanalytic Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Suggestions for a Psychoanalytic Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a Psychoanalytic Reading of The Aspern Papers.
Part IV: Marxism:
Introduction.
A Marxist Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a Marxist Reading of The Aspern Papers.
Suggestions for a Marxist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, A Miracle for Breakfast.
Suggestions for a Marxist Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Part V: Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Post-Modernism:
Introduction.
A Post-Structuralist Reading of King Lear.
A Post-Structuralist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, Crusoe in England.
Suggestions for a Post-Structuralist Reading of Over 2,000 Illustrations & a Complete Concordance.
Suggestions for a Post-Structuralist Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Part VI: Feminism:
Introduction.
A Feminist Reading of The Aspern Papers.
Suggestions for a Feminist Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a Feminist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, Roosters.
Suggestions for a Feminist Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Part VII: Gender, Queer Theory, Gay/Lesbian Studies:
Introduction.
A Gender Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for a Gender Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, In the Waiting Room.
Suggestions for a Gender Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Part VIII: Historicism:
Introduction.
An Historicist Reading of King Lear.
Suggestions for an Historicist Reading of The Aspern Papers.
Suggestions for an Historicist Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, Twelve O'Clock News.
Suggestions for an Historicist Reading of The Bluest Eye.
Part IX: Ethnic, Post-Colonial, International Studies:
Introduction.
A Post-Colonial Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, Brazil, January 1, 1502.
Suggestions for an Ethnic Studies Reading of Elizabeth Bishop, Faustina, or Rock Roses.
Suggestions for an Ethnic Studies Reading of The Bluest Eye.