What is poststructuralist theory, and what difference
does it make to literary criticism? Where do we find the
meaning of the text: in the author's head? in the
reader's? Or do we, instead, make meaning in the
practice of reading itself? If so, what part do our own
values play in the process of interpretation? And what
is the role of the text? Catherine Belsey considers
these and other questions concerning the relations
between human beings and language, readers and texts,
writing and cultural politics. Assuming no prior
knowledge of poststructuralism, Critical Practice guides
the reader confidently through the maze of contemporary
theory. It simply and lucidly explains the views of key
figures such as Louis Althusser, Roland Barthes, Jacques
Lacan and Jacques Derrida, and shows their theories at
work in readings of familiar literary texts. Critical
Practice argues that theory matters, because it makes a
difference to what we do when we read, opening up new
possibilities for literary and cultural analysis.
Poststructuralism, in conjunction with psychoanalysis
and deconstruction, makes radical change to the way we
read both a priority and a possibility.With a new
chapter, updated guidance on further reading and
revisions throughout, this second edition of Critical
Practice is the ideal guide to the present and future of
literary studies. |
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