Where is a solid online source that defines literary theory?

March 4, 2008 9:37 AM

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!
posted by jackypaper to Education (5 answers total)

Some of the hardcopy books might be searchable on Google Books. I'd suggest this one.
posted by mattbucher at 9:48 AM on March 4, 2008

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.
posted by ourobouros at 9:53 AM on March 4, 2008

A lot of what you ask about is discussed at this Introductory Guide to Critical Theory.
posted by pasici at 9:54 AM on March 4, 2008

Best answer: Try the Introductory Guide to Literary and Critical Theory (no longer updated, it seems, but reasonably handy).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.
posted by thomas j wise at 9:54 AM on March 4, 2008 [4 favorites]

Seconding Ouroboros's recommendation -- the book is tiny, super light (as heavy as my cellphone), and very well-written.
posted by suedehead at 3:07 PM on March 5, 2008