Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory

Lively, original and highly readable, An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory is the essential guide to literary studies. Starting at †̃The Beginningâ€TM and concluding with †̃The Endâ€TM, chapters range from the familiar, such as †̃Characterâ€TM, †̃Narrativeâ€TM and †̃The Authorâ€TM, to the more unusual, such as †̃Secretsâ€TM, †̃Pleasureâ€TM and †̃Ghostsâ€TM. Now in its sixth edition, Bennett and Royleâ€TMs classic textbook successfully illuminates complex ideas by engaging directly with literary works, so that a reading of Jane Eyre opens up ways of thinking about racial difference, for example, while Chaucer, Monty Python and Hilary Mantel are all invoked in a discussion of literature and laughter.The sixth edition has been revised and updated throughout. In addition, four new chapters â€" †̃Literatureâ€TM, †̃Lossâ€TM, †̃Humanâ€TM and †̃Migrantâ€TM â€" engage with exciting recent developments in literary studies. As well as fully up-to-date further reading sections at the end of each chapter, the book contains a comprehensive bibliography and an invaluable glossary of key literary terms. A breath of fresh air in a field that can often seem dry and dauntingly theoretical, this book will open the readerâ€TMs eyes to the exhilarating possibilities of reading and studying literature.