The second edition of Literary Criticism by Charles E. Bressler is designed to help readers make conscious, informed, and intelligent choices concerning literary interpretation. By explaining the historical development and theoretical positions of eleven schools of criticism, author Charles Bressler reveals the richness of literary texts along with the various interpretative approaches that will lead to a fuller appreciation and understanding of such texts.

Critical essays are the basic mode of expression that students of literature at universities and colleges are expected to master, yet they are given no special instruction in this discipline. To make good the deficiency, Philip Hobsbaum demonstrates that there are techniques in writing criticism which can be both taught and learned. He himself learned his craft from such major figures as F.R. Leavis and William Empson, and has had many years' experience as a professional critic and a teacher of literature. After defining the uses of criticism, he provides invaluable guidance on such topics as what to say about a poem, English prose style and structuring an essay, in each case taking examples from the works of well-known authors. Here at last is the means of bridging the gap between the student as reader and the student as writer.

Beginning with approaches familiar to students and then gradually introducing schools of criticism that are more challenging, THEORY INTO PRACTICE provides extensive step-by-step guidance for writing literary analyses from each of the critical perspectives. This brief, practical introduction to literary theory explores core literary theories in a unique chronological format and includes an anthology of relevant fiction, poetry, and nonfiction to help bring those theories to life for students. Remarkably readable and engaging, the text makes even complex concepts manageable for those beginning to think about literary theory, and example analyses for each type of criticism show how real students have applied the theories to works included in the anthology. Now updated with the latest scholarship, including a full discussion of Ecocriticism and increased emphasis on American multicultural approaches, THEORY INTO PRACTICE provides an essential foundation for thoughtful and effective literary analysis. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Aristotle's Poetics has held the attention of scholars and authors through the ages, and Averroes has long been known as "the commentator" on Aristotle. His Middle Commentary on Aristotle's Poetics is important because of its striking content. Here, an author steeped in Aristotle's thought and highly familiar with an entirely different poetical tradition shows in careful detail what is commendable about Greek poetics and commendable as well as blameworthy about Arabic poetics.

This accessible guide provides the ideal first step in understanding literary theory.

Introduction to the theory literary Criticism

From Plato to Virginia Woolf, Structuralism to Practical Criticism, Introducing Literary Criticism charts the history and development of literary criticism into a rich and complex discipline. Tackling disputes over the value and meaning of literature, and exploring theoretical and practical approaches, this unique illustrated guide will help readers of all levels to get more out of their reading.