Using Critical Theory: How to Read and Write About Literature

by Lois Tyson

Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected to cover in their studies. Key features include: Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, Using Critical Theory is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition and cultural studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theory, Literature, Textbooks, Literary Criticism, 21st Century, Writing

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2011

Reviews

[Katherine Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3rd edition)
This is a textbook. It teaches the basics of writing papers using critical theories (New Criticism, feminism, postcolonialism, Marxism, etc.) It's clearly written and laid out, and it boils down the process of writing an English paper into a series of very simple steps. It also defangs the most common student questions (E.g. My interpretation is my opinion, so how can it be wrong?) and I think provides a pretty good understanding of what it is you're being asked to do when you write an English paper. I disagree with it in places (she does not do a good job of explaining the concept of "othering" and I think misuses it), but overall, yes, this would have been super helpful to have when I was teaching intro lit courses.

[Fred Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea is good, but the execution could be better. She introduces the reader to several critical approaches to literature, explaining each one clearly but without an overload of detail. The chapter on Marxist theory is especially strong. But the book is too formulaic; she repeats paragraphs almost verbatim from one chapter to the next. That's efficient, but tedious.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Really improves my way of thinking. Class was a breeze with this book!! Absolutely phenomenal!! Only critique. It doesn’t include womanism

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more useful to undergraduates then Critical Theory Today; includes short stories and poems mediated through different critical approaches.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was both good and bad. Good in the sense that overall it was a review for me. I had a class that taught most of these theories before. Bad in the sense that, although examples are great, it was too long. I literally skimmed some of them because they were putting me to sleep.

Overall as an introduction to an English class or some theory class, this book is good (minus the long example).

Will I read this again, though?

Um...probably not. I want theories and maybe one example, not a plethora.

[Rachel Niemeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in learning critical theory this book is fantastic. It covers all major theories starting with reader-response and ending with postcolonial theory, and it gives five samples of poetry and short stories to allow readers to practice analysis using all nine theories. This book is really coherent and leaves all the pretentious words out presenting a clear understanding of some pretty complex theories.

[Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a great easy to understand undergrad introduction to literary criticism and the varying theories. I do wish it included more of the theories (I mean, it didn't even have deconstructionism) , but it did offer a good number of them still.

[Dr. Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is a great introduction to Critical Theory for students who are intimidated by Critical Theory. I would definitely use this book in an introductory, undergraduate course in critical theory.

[Claire Burlap]

Skimming is reading, beyotch