Structuralism: Theory and Practice - Jean Duffy

Advantages: Good analysis, good descriptive writing
Disadvantages: none

..., influences and broader cultural environment are all important as a part of the study, something with which Baudrillard might agree, Why is Baudrillard included in this series? This series is primary for critical thinking in a literary sense, but also develops the cultural criticism aspect of which literary theory cannot help but be a part. Baudrillard, as Lane suggests, is not only one of the more famous names in postmodernism, but practically embodies postmodernism in his own work. Key ideas and catch-phrases of Baudrillard include 'simulation', 'hyperreal', and 'implosion of meaning'. Baudrillard is very much a product of the French literary/philosophical school of the 1960s, opting eventually toward a radical reworking of both primitive cultures and post-Marxist thought that some critics see as inconsistent and confused, but definitely... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Made me realise the madness of literary theory
Disadvantages: I'm not sure he realised

...Peter Barry deserves a lot of credit. I was walking along thinking that critical theory is a valid field of enquiry ("it's about how we think about culture, and is of profound importance to just about everything!"). I didn't think much more about it. Until I chanced across Barry's book. The book discusses in each chapter the basic interpretations one can make on literature. He covers a wide variety of topics. Starting with liberal humanism, progressing through postmodernism, feminism, structuralism, postimperialism, Marxism (or historical materialism, as they prefer to call it), all the way up to neo-muffin-eating-ology. For each type of theory, there is a lengthy explanation followed by some examples of how the theory is applied to criticism. Although I'm not sure that barry intended to do so, but my only reaction was one of pure... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interesting, very personal, practical and academic
Disadvantages: -

...that there is a fair share of ivory-tower-type elements in feminist theory, on the whole feminist theory has far reaching and more practical applications that anyone can utilise. Ultimately feminist theory strives toward the identification of oppressive structures and attitudes and works to overcome these in society. - - -Feminist Theology- - - Jones in this section explores what is meant by Christian theology and what is meant by feminist theology. 'Like many terms used in this book, ‘feminist theology’ means different things to different communities. For some people, it immediately calls up negative images of angry women destroying the church with pagan rituals. For others, it evokes more positive images, such as a round banquet table where feminist theology ‘happens’ as women gather, from all corners of the world, to celebrate creation... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful