In Search of Authority: An Introductory Guide to Literary Theory

by Stephen Bonnycastle

This revised and expanded edition contains new chapters postmodernism, new historicism, postcolonial criticism, multiculturalism, and the role of theory in literary studies. It has new sections on Jacques Derrida and Mikhail Bakhtin, and updated suggestions for further readings, with brief annotations. This is the most engaging introduction to literary theory available today. Its distinctive features are its clarity and its ability to explain the real significance for the reader of recently-developed theories. Specific applications to well-known novels, plays, and poems show how theory can increase the pleasure and understanding we gain from works of literature. This book shows why literary theory matters today. The general argument of the book investigates the issue of authority, for readers, writers, and critics. We should not approach literary theory matters today. The general argument of the book investigates the issue of authority, for readers, writers, and critics. We should not approach literary texts of literary theories, Bonnycastle suggests, looking for an external authority. Rather we must realize that "authority is a social construction, that we all play a part in establishing it, and that it is potentially accessible to us all."

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Reference, Literary Criticism

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[W.D. Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have already encountered a lot of "literary theory", this is still a great read—if, like me, you are addicted to primers. And if you are new to it, Bonnycastle's book works REALLY well in the classroom, especially when paired with primary source material. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Rimas Blekaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent: Dr. Bonneycastle is an excellent writer who organizes his material in an easily digestible way, who knows what the essential points he's trying to make are and how to highlight those points, and who has real insight into the material. This was a useful survey of literary theory which, although promoted as an introduction, reads like something more than that.

I was introduced to the theories of Giaccamo Vico who created the terms for the most recognized literary tropes: metaphore, synedoche, metonymy, and irony and who formulated a theory about the four stages of experience which correspond to those tropes. This was a very useful revelation.

There were also excellent guides to Historicism, New Criticism, Structuralism (which covered, among other useful things, the concepts of relation identity and paradigmatic and syntagmatic thinking), Deconstruction, and a variety of other theoretical constructs. Bonneycastle concisely conveys their essential points, and how one arose from the other, giving the reader a good overview of the geography of theory, making it easy for one to decide which particular hills and valleys one would like to explore in more depth.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful parts on various literary criticisms. Newer editions are probably more helpful.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, Bonnycastle is far from an enjoyable read... However, I would suggest this book if you are in need of base-line definitions and examples of various complex literary theories like destructuralism, post-modernism, etc.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow I didn't realise I was such a fucking nerd like that (who reads a book on literary theory for fun??? me apparently (ಠ_ಠ))

[angrykitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

if i could give this one star i would, but there is still only one book that i've deemed deserving of that rating.....this is really really close though.....

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonnycastle introduces the main forms of modern literary theory in a clear and easy to understand way. This is one of the best introductions to literary theory available.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and easy to understand.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice refresher.