Texts and Contexts: Writing About Literature with Critical Theory, 7th edition

For courses in literary criticism or literary analysis.

Theories and strategies for writing about literature

By considering how adept readers behave and what assumptions they might make while interacting with literary text, Texts and Contexts teaches students the challenging art of writing about literature. Overviews of literature and how to write about it are provided, along with critical and literary theory with examples. Students will learn versatile strategies in reading, writing, interpreting data, and constructing arguments that can be applied to virtually any field.

Stylistic improvements throughout the 7th Edition include additional examples and clarification. Content has been updated with examples from film and other genres, as well as coverage of ecocriticism and digital humanities.

Hallmark features of this title

• Establishes the value of studying literature in chapter 1 giving students insight into the disciplines' importance, as well as its potential to enrich their lives and support their happiness.
• Emphasizes the essential skills gained from studying literature (applicable to any field), such as the ability to empathize, read carefully and critically, and speak and write clearly and persuasively.
• Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter introduce students to chapter content.
• The Instructor's Manual offers a guide to building a syllabus around the book; in-class activities; tips on assigning just enough writing practice to avoid sinking under the paper load; and sample answers to “practicing” sections, including a selection of additional works.
• Free download: The Pearson Guide to the 2021 MLA Handbook.

New and updated features of this title

• REVISED: Stylistic improvements have been made throughout, with revisions that condense where needed, add examples when helpful, and clarifying any obscurities.
• UPDATED: Coverage has been refreshed with updated references that keep pace with the dynamic nature of literary criticism and reflect the evolution of the field of literary study.
• NEW: Film and other genres are given more attention throughout, exemplifying the idea that critical theory can be applied to any form of text.
• NEW: Ecocriticism and Digital Humanities coverage highlights the interdisciplinary study of the connectivity between literature and the environment and introduces digital humanities as a tool that can be applied to a variety of approaches, rather than treating it as an approach in and of itself.