Comments on: Where is a solid online source that defines literary theory?

Question: Where is a solid online source that defines literary theory?

jackypaper — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:37:29 -0800

Literary Criticism: help me get a handle on it. Is there a good online source (more in-depth than our beloved Wikipedia) that defines and describes such theories as Psychological, Symbolic, Mythological, Archetypal, Feminist, Marxist, Cultural, and Deconstructive? I know I can find this info in hardcopy, but I'm going to be traveling, so I'd rather have a source I can study on my laptop, rather than lugging around a text. Thanks!

By: mattbucher

mattbucher — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:48:54 -0800

Some of the hardcopy books might be searchable on Google Books. I'd suggest this one.

By: ourobouros

ourobouros — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:53:53 -0800

Have you checked out Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction? I know this isn't an online source, but it is an extremely small book (not much bigger than a wallet, definitely smaller than your laptop) and it's an excellent overview by an expert in the field.

By: pasici

pasici — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:54:12 -0800

A lot of what you ask about is discussed at this Introductory Guide to Critical Theory.

By: thomas j wise

thomas j wise — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:54:50 -0800

Try the Introductory Guide to Literary and Critical Theory (no longer updated, it seems, but reasonably handy). Jack Lynch also maintains a handy set of links.

By: suedehead

suedehead — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:07:40 -0800

Seconding Ouroboros's recommendation -- the book is tiny, super light (as heavy as my cellphone), and very well-written.