Literary Theory An Introduction by Terry Eagleton

"Literary Theory: An Introduction" by Terry Eagleton is a significant text in the field of literary criticism, first published in 1983 and widely used in academic settings. Eagleton provides a comprehensive overview of various literary theories, exploring their historical context, key concepts, and major proponents.

1. Historical Context: Eagleton traces the development of literary theory from the classical period through the Romantic era, the rise of formalism and structuralism, to post-structuralism and postmodernism.

2. Major Theories: He discusses a range of literary theories, including:

   • Formalism and Structuralism: Focuses on the form and structure of literary texts.
   • Marxism: Explores literature in the context of social class and economic power.
   • Psychoanalysis: Examines the influence of Freudian concepts on literature and interpretation.
   • Feminism: Analyzes the role of gender and the representation of women in literature.
   • Postcolonialism: Looks at the impact of colonialism on literature and cultural identity.

3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Eagleton emphasizes that literary theory intersects with various disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, and psychology, enriching the understanding of texts.

4. Critique of Theories: While presenting various theories, Eagleton also critiques them, highlighting their limitations and the debates surrounding them.

5. Accessibility: The book is written in an accessible style, making complex theories understandable for readers who may not have a background in literary criticism.