Literary Theory cover

Literary Theory

by David Ayers

"Beginning in the 1920s, the book looks at the impact of the periods preceding the 'theory movement' and reintroduces this movement from a contemporary perspective. Engaging the reader in question about the origin, reception and analysis of literary theory, Ayers explores how and why popular criticisms developed, and considers their futures. Major influences on the development of modern theory are examined, among them the creation of university English and campus politics; the Cold War; the Anglo-Americanization of French and German theory; the culture wars; and the politics of contemporary historicist scholarship. Key figures such as F.R. Leavis, Raymond Williams, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler and Alain Badiou are also discussed."--Jacket.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?