The Routledge Companion to Critical Theory (Routledge Companions)

The Routledge Companion to Critical Theory is an indispensable aid for anyone approaching this exciting field of study for the first time. By exploring ideas from a diverse range of disciplines, ‘theory’ encourages us to develop a deeper understanding of how we approach the written word. This book defines what is generically referred to as ‘critical theory’, and guides readers through some of the most complex and fundamental concepts in the field, ranging from Historicism to Postmodernism, from Psychoanalytic Criticism to Race and Postcoloniality. Fully cross referenced throughout, the book encompasses manageable introductions to important ideas followed by a dictionary of terms and thinkers which students are likely to encounter. Further reading is offered to guide students to crucial primary essays and introductory chapters on each concept. "Routledge Companion of Critical Theory" is an indispensable guide for anyone coming to this exciting field of study for the first time. Exploring ideas from a diverse range of disciplines, this clearly presented text encourages the reader to develop a deeper understanding of how to approach the written word. Defining what is generically referred to as 'critical theory', "Routledge Companion of Critical Theory" explores some of the most complex and fundamental concepts in the field, ranging from historicism to postmodernism, from psychoanalytic criticism to race and postcolonialism. The key features include: clear and detailed introductory chapters written by experts in each area; almost 200 fully cross-referenced dictionary entries; a range of illustrations drawn from literature, film and contemporary culture, which illustrate complex theoretical ideas; a dictionary of terms and thinkers that students are likely to encounter; and guidance on further reading to direct students towards crucial primary essays and introductory chapters on each concept. Tailored to meet the needs of undergraduate students when they first encounter theory, as well as when their knowledge and experience develop and they want to know where to go next, this is the ideal resource for those studying this fascinating area

Ecocriticism, a theoretical movement examining cultural constructions of Nature in their social and political contexts, is making an increasingly important contribution to our understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Gabriel Egan's Green Shakespeare presents:

• an overview of the concept of ecocriticism
• detailed ecocritical readings of Henry V, Macbeth, As You Like It, Antony & Cleopatra, King Lear, Coriolanus, Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest
• analysis of themes such as nature and human society; food and biological nature; the supernatural and the weather
• a bold argument for a contemporary ‘EcoShakespeare’, taking into account the environmental and political implications of globalization and intellectual property laws.

Crossing the boundaries of literary and cultural studies to draw in politics, philosophy and ecology, this volume not only introduces one of the most lively areas of contemporary Shakespeare studies, but also puts forward a convincing case for Shakespeare’s continuing relevance to contemporary theory.

Crossing The Boundaries Of Literary And Cultural Studies To Draw In Politics, Philosophy, And Ecology, This Volume Not Only Introduces One Of The Most Lively Areas Of Contemporary Shakespeare Studies, But Also Offers A Case For Shakespeare's Continuing Relevance To Contemporary Theory.--book Jacket. Introduction : Babbling Of Green Fields -- Ecopolitics/ecocriticism -- Nature And Human Society : Coriolanus, Henry 5, And Macbeth -- Food And Biological Nature : As You Like It, Antony And Cleopatra, Pericles, Cymbeline And The Winter's Tale -- Supernature And The Weather : King Lear And The Tempest -- Conclusion : Ecoshakespeare. Gabriel Egan. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [176]-194) And Index. BOOK COVER......Page 1 HALF TITLE......Page 2 TITLE......Page 4 COPYRIGHT......Page 5 CONTENTS......Page 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......Page 8 EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION......Page 10 PART I: CRITICAL THEORY: INTRODUCTORY ESSAYS......Page 16 1. STRUCTURALISM AND SEMIOTICS......Page 18 2. NARRATIVE AND NARRATOLOGY......Page 29 3. MARXISM......Page 43 4. POSTSTRUCTURALISM......Page 58 5. HISTORICISM......Page 70 6. PSYCHOANALYTIC CRITICISM......Page 81 7. DECONSTRUCTION......Page 96 8. FEMINISM......Page 106 9. GENDER AND QUEER THEORY......Page 117 10. POSTMODERNISM......Page 130 11. RACE AND POSTCOLONIALITY......Page 142 PART II: NAMES AND TERMS......Page 156 BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 285 INDEX......Page 305 Structuralism And Semiotics / Kate Mcgowan -- Narrative And Narratology / Paul Wake -- Marxism / Glyn Daly -- Poststructuralism / Catherine Belsey -- Historicism / Simon Malpas -- Psychoanalytic Criticism / Rob Lapsley -- Deconstruction / Andrew Benjamin -- Feminism / Susan Hekman -- Gender And Queer Theory / Donald E. Hall -- Postmodernism / Linda Hutcheon -- Race And Postcoloniality / Apollo Amoko. Edited By Simon Malpas And Paul Wake. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 270-289) And Index. Using clear, accessible language throughout, this easy-to-use companion provides an A-Z section covering the main theorists and concepts, with concise definitions/descriptions. It also contains 11 essays presenting more detailed discussion, analysis and contextual material on central topics An indispensable guide for anyone coming to this field of study for the first time, this text explores ideas from a diverse range of disciplines and encourages the reader to develop a deeper understanding of how to approach the written word.