Introducing Literature: A Practical Guide to literary Analysis, Criticism, and Theory

Introducing Literature is a comprehensive introduction to the formal study of literature at senior secondary and college level. Starting from basic principles and methods, the book leads students step by step to advanced and theorised approaches to literary study.

The book assumes little prior knowledge. The first chapter orients the reader to the goals of literature study, course organisation, reading lists and study tips. Later chapters offer input on responding to texts, formal analysis, essay writing, and research.

Introducing Literature can be used as the primary course text, a supplementary reference, or a self-paced course for independent study.

The book's detailed instructional chapters address key topics in contemporary literature courses:

• The purposes of literary study
• Definitions of literature
• Why we read literature
• Making literary judgments
• Analysing text and context
• Writing commentaries and essays
• Creative responses
• Theory, issues, and ideology

The reference section supplies essential knowledge needed for sophisticated reading, including:

• Myths and legends to know
• Narrative schemas to know
• Literary sources to know
• A timeline of English literature
• Twelve critical theories

Filled with texts, activities, and practical examples, Introducing Literature is a vital guide to confident and successful engagement with literary texts.