Analysing Texts – serie

This study focuses on how Frankenstein works: how the story is told and why it is so rich and gripping. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Shelley's life, the historical and literary contexts of the novel, and offers a sample of key criticism.

This study focuses on how Frankenstein works: how the story is told and why it is so rich and gripping. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Shelley's life, the historical and literary contexts of the novel, and offers a sample of key criticism.

Daniel Defoe's writings have bred controversy since their first appearance in the eighteenth century: 'Robinson Crusoe' fuels virulent disagreements among critics, while Defoe's two scandalous women, 'Moll Flanders' and 'Roxana', can still shock us and challenge the range of our sympathies.This essential study:- Takes a fresh look at these intriguing novels and leads the reader into close analysis of Defoe's texts, encouraging an open-minded approach to interpretation- Features chapters on the novels' openings, conscience and repentance, society and economics, women and patriarchy, and the use of 'outsider' narrators- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Suggested Work' to aid independent study- Offers historical and literary background, a sample of critical views, and suggestions for further readingEquipping students with the critical and analytical skills with which to approach Defoe's work, this inspiring guide helps readers to appreciate the brilliance of the author's writing and to enjoy the complexity of his fictional creations for themselves.

Daniel Defoe's writings have bred controversy since their first appearance in the eighteenth century: 'Robinson Crusoe' fuels virulent disagreements among critics, while Defoe's two scandalous women, 'Moll Flanders' and 'Roxana', can still shock us and challenge the range of our sympathies.This essential study:- Takes a fresh look at these intriguing novels and leads the reader into close analysis of Defoe's texts, encouraging an open-minded approach to interpretation- Features chapters on the novels' openings, conscience and repentance, society and economics, women and patriarchy, and the use of 'outsider' narrators- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Suggested Work' to aid independent study- Offers historical and literary background, a sample of critical views, and suggestions for further readingEquipping students with the critical and analytical skills with which to approach Defoe's work, this inspiring guide helps readers to appreciate the brilliance of the author's writing and to enjoy the complexity of his fictional creations for themselves.

The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night are F. Scott Fitzgerald's best-known novels. They draw on Fitzgerald's own vivid experiences in the 1920s but transform them into art. This stimulating introductory guide analyses their accomplished style and their concern with the promise and perplexity of modern life.Part I of this indispensable study:- Provides interesting and informed close readings of key passages- Examines how each novel starts and ends- Discusses key themes of society, money, gender and trauma- Outlines the methods of analysis and offers suggestions for further work.Part II supplies essential background material, including:- An account of Fitzgerald's life- A survey of historical, cultural and literary contexts- Samples of significant criticismAlso featuring a helpful Further Reading section, this volume equips readers with the critical and analytical skills which will enable them to enjoy and explore both novels for themselves.

The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night are F. Scott Fitzgerald's best-known novels. They draw on Fitzgerald's own vivid experiences in the 1920s but transform them into art. This stimulating introductory guide analyses their accomplished style and their concern with the promise and perplexity of modern life.Part I of this indispensable study:- Provides interesting and informed close readings of key passages- Examines how each novel starts and ends- Discusses key themes of society, money, gender and trauma- Outlines the methods of analysis and offers suggestions for further work.Part II supplies essential background material, including:- An account of Fitzgerald's life- A survey of historical, cultural and literary contexts- Samples of significant criticismAlso featuring a helpful Further Reading section, this volume equips readers with the critical and analytical skills which will enable them to enjoy and explore both novels for themselves.

Paradise Lost is for many the greatest poem written in English. Composed late in the author's life, it deals with nothing less than the destiny of mankind.This essential introductory guide:- Leads the reader into the epic poem through detailed analysis of key extracts, exploring Milton's original thought and style- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Further Work' to aid independent study- Offers valuable information on Milton's life, times and literary legacy- Examines the development of critical opinion and discusses some recent critical views of the poem.John Milton: Paradise Lost is ideal for anyone who is studying this complex and beautiful work for the first time. It will enable you to approach your own critical analysis of the poem with confidence.

Paradise Lost is for many the greatest poem written in English. Composed late in the author's life, it deals with nothing less than the destiny of mankind.This essential introductory guide:- Leads the reader into the epic poem through detailed analysis of key extracts, exploring Milton's original thought and style- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Further Work' to aid independent study- Offers valuable information on Milton's life, times and literary legacy- Examines the development of critical opinion and discusses some recent critical views of the poem.John Milton: Paradise Lost is ideal for anyone who is studying this complex and beautiful work for the first time. It will enable you to approach your own critical analysis of the poem with confidence.

The History plays established Shakespeare's reputation as an enormously popular and dramatic storyteller, demonstrating his skill in drawing such astonishing characters as Richard III and Sir John Falstaff. Featuring detailed analyses of extracts, John Blades guides the student through four of Shakespeare's most compelling Histories.Part I of this stimulating study:- Provides clear and engaging close readings of passages from Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, and Richard III- Examines major themes, characters, language and Shakespeare's dramatic techniques- Offers suggestions for further work and summarizes the methods of analysisPart II supplies essential background material, including:- A detailed survey of Shakespeare's literary and historical contexts- Samples of criticism from leading scholarsWith a helpful Glossary and Further Reading section, this lucid study is ideal for anyone who wishes to appreciate and explore the remarkable writing of Shakespeare's History plays for themselves.

Daniel Defoe''s writings have bred controversy since their first appearance in the eighteenth century: ''Robinson Crusoe'' fuels virulent disagreements among critics, while Defoe''s two scandalous women, ''Moll Flanders'' and ''Roxana'', can still shock us and challenge the range of our sympathies.This essential study:- Takes a fresh look at these intriguing novels and leads the reader into close analysis of Defoe''s texts, encouraging an open-minded approach to interpretation- Features chapters on the novels'' openings, conscience and repentance, society and economics, women and patriarchy, and the use of ''outsider'' narrators- Provides useful sections on ''Methods of Analysis'' and ''Suggested Work'' to aid independent study- Offers historical and literary background, a sample of critical views, and suggestions for further readingEquipping students with the critical and analytical skills with which to approach Defoe''s work, this inspiring guide helps readers to appreciate the brilliance of the author''s writing and to enjoy the complexity of his fictional creations for themselves.

The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night are F. Scott Fitzgerald''s best-known novels. They draw on Fitzgerald''s own vivid experiences in the 1920s but transform them into art. This stimulating introductory guide analyses their accomplished style and their concern with the promise and perplexity of modern life.Part I of this indispensable study:- Provides interesting and informed close readings of key passages- Examines how each novel starts and ends- Discusses key themes of society, money, gender and trauma- Outlines the methods of analysis and offers suggestions for further work.Part II supplies essential background material, including:- An account of Fitzgerald''s life- A survey of historical, cultural and literary contexts- Samples of significant criticismAlso featuring a helpful Further Reading section, this volume equips readers with the critical and analytical skills which will enable them to enjoy and explore both novels for themselves.

William Blake was ignored in his own time. Now, however, his Songs of Innocence and Experience and 'prophetic books' are widely admired and studied.The second edition of this successful introductory text:- Leads the reader into the Songs and 'prophetic books' via detailed analysis of individual poems and extracts, and now features additional insightful analyses- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Suggested Work' to aid independent study- Offers expanded historical and cultural context, and an extended sample of critical views that includes discussion of the work of recent critics- Provides up-to-date suggestions for further readingWilliam Blake: The Poems is ideal for students who are encountering the work of this major English poet for the first time. Nicholas Marsh encourages you to enjoy and explore the power and beauty of Blake's poems for yourself.

William Blake was ignored in his own time. Now, however, his Songs of Innocence and Experience and 'prophetic books' are widely admired and studied.The second edition of this successful introductory text:- Leads the reader into the Songs and 'prophetic books' via detailed analysis of individual poems and extracts, and now features additional insightful analyses- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Suggested Work' to aid independent study- Offers expanded historical and cultural context, and an extended sample of critical views that includes discussion of the work of recent critics- Provides up-to-date suggestions for further readingWilliam Blake: The Poems is ideal for students who are encountering the work of this major English poet for the first time. Nicholas Marsh encourages you to enjoy and explore the power and beauty of Blake's poems for yourself.

Gillian Steinberg offers an approachable introduction to the poems of one of the most prolific and influential English writers, through an examination of wide-ranging selections from his work.Part I of this invaluable study:- Provides clear and stimulating close readings of Thomas Hardy's key poems- Considers major themes in Hardy's poetry, including ghosts, God's role in the world, war, and the painful passage of time- Summarizes the methods of analysis and provides suggestions for further workPart II supplies essential background material, featuring:- An account of Hardy's life and works- Samples of criticism from important Hardy scholarsWith a helpful Further Reading section, this insightful volume is ideal for anyone who wishes to appreciate and explore Hardy's poetry for themselves.

What makes Shakespeare's late plays so special? Through detailed analyses of key passages, Kate Aughterson shows how these plays portray a world of political intrigue, familial chaos and crisis, which teeters continually into tragedy: a world we can recognise today.Part I of this engaging study:- Provides stimulating close readings of extracts from The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Cymbeline and Pericles- Examines major topics such as openings, endings, familial roles, stage properties, spectacle and song- Offers suggestions for further work and summarizes the methods of analysisPart II supplies essential background material, including:- Detailed accounts of Shakespeare's literary and historical contexts- Samples from important critical works and performancesWith a helpful Further Reading section, this illuminating volume is ideal for anyone who wishes to appreciate and explore Shakespeare's late plays for themselves.

What makes Shakespeare's late plays so special? Through detailed analyses of key passages, Kate Aughterson shows how these plays portray a world of political intrigue, familial chaos and crisis, which teeters continually into tragedy: a world we can recognise today.Part I of this engaging study:- Provides stimulating close readings of extracts from The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Cymbeline and Pericles- Examines major topics such as openings, endings, familial roles, stage properties, spectacle and song- Offers suggestions for further work and summarizes the methods of analysisPart II supplies essential background material, including:- Detailed accounts of Shakespeare's literary and historical contexts- Samples from important critical works and performancesWith a helpful Further Reading section, this illuminating volume is ideal for anyone who wishes to appreciate and explore Shakespeare's late plays for themselves.

Kate Aughterson provides readers with an approachable and fascinating critical guide to the dramatic works of an important seventeenth-century woman writer. Aughterson analyses Aphra Behn''s abilities as a playwright, showing particularly how she skillfully employs comic and dramatic conventions to radical ends, and how she forces her audience to engage with issues about gender and sexuality whilst retaining her witty and accessible style.Chapters in the first part of the book provide close readings of the comedies, addressing such topics as openings, endings, character types, staging, and politics and society. In the second part, Aughterson not only examines Behn''s literary career and the Restoration contexts of her plays, but also looks at some sample criticism and explores Behn''s drama as performance.

This volume guides students through Eliot''s most widely studied novels: The Mill on the Floss, Silas Marner and Middlemarch. The first part of the book is based on analysis of extracts grouped by themes including relationships, society and morality. At the end of each chapter, a ''Methods'' section offers ideas for independent study. The second part describes Eliot''s biographical, cultural and intellectual environment, and gives readings of representative critical writing.

Written in an age of revolutions, Lyrical Ballads represents a radical new way of thinking - not only about literature but also about our fundamental perceptions of the world. The poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge continues to be among the most appealing and challenging in the rich tradition of English Literature; and Lyrical Ballads, composed at the height of the young authors'' creative powers, is now widely acclaimed as a landmark in literary history.In this lively study, detailed analysis of individual poems is closely grounded in the literary, political and historical contexts in which Lyrical Ballads was first conceived, realised and subsequently expanded into two volumes. John Blades examines poetry from both volumes and carefully reassesses the poems in the light of Wordsworth''s and Coleridge''s revolutionary theories, while Part II of the study broadens the discussion by tracing the critical history of Lyrical Ballads over the two centuries since its first publication.Providing students with the critical and analytical skills with which to approach the poems, and offering guidance on further study, this stimulating book is essential reading.

Thought of as Shakespeare's most powerful works, the four great tragedies, Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth, are texts of unparalleled richness and depth, stimulating and exciting to study. This book takes extracts and examines them, explaining how the critic can use particular techniques to bring out complexities of meaning, understand the patterns of metaphor and the rhythms of the poetry and appreciate the ever-living drama. Chapters on the openings and endings of plays, heroes and heroines, society, humour, imagery and the tragic universe guide the student on a journey of inquiry into the nature of Shakespeare's tragic vision. Far from simplifying Shakespeare, the reader is challenged to confront the depth and subtlety of the dramas, and to enjoy the analytical pursuit of ever finer insight, ever fuller understanding.

At the beginning of this century, Virginia Woolf reacted against literary tradition, sought a new definition of fiction, applied her modern, post-freudian outlook and radically feminist ideas to the problem of writing novels and, in so doing, re-defined our concept of this literary form. The results can be seen in Mrs Dalloway, To The Lighthouse and The Waves, three novels of a flowing, impressionistic texture that are, at the same time, highly structured. Through detailed analysis of selected extracts from the novels, the reader is taught to explore the delicate and yet rich writing Woolf achieved and to inquire into the significance of her ironies and symbolic structures. This guide does not sidestep the complexity of her works, but challenges the reader to confront, examine and enjoy it.

Jane Austen's novels are among the most polished and carefully-crafted works in the English literary heritage. This book takes extracts and examines them in close detail, bringing out the extraordinary richness of irony and implication in Jane Austen's writing. Using the tool of textual analysis, the reader is taught to explore and enjoy the delicate comedy of her narratives, and to inquire into the serious moral purpose that lies behind each of these four novels. This guide does not simplify the study of Jane Austen, but invites the reader to pursue and revel in the ironic subtlety of her methods and thought.

Detailed textual analysis of the tales by the Miller, Nun's Priest, the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner, as well as the General Prologue invites you to sharpen your critical faculties, extend your knowledge and engage with the text itself in order to fully appreciate the work of this fascinating, complex and surprisingly modern writer. Whether you consider yourself an expert or a student, this study has something for you as it demonstrates the various approaches which can be used to learn about style, structure, multiple voices and the key themes of Chaucer's work. It offers a careful support and thoughtful framework upon which to base your own analysis and challenging you to form your own ideas and opinions.

This book is designed to serve as a practical guide for students and others wishing to improve their skills in the detailed analysis and discussion of Hardy's prose texts. Its aim is to sharpen readers' awareness of the complexity and subtlety of Hardy's art by encouraging responsiveness to such aspects as language and style, imagery and symbol, descriptive and dramatic method and narrative technique. At the same time extracts are considered not in isolation but in relation to the overall purposes of a highly-organised text.While the main focus is on four of Hardy's most-widely read novels, the twenty-four examples of close analysis cover six major themes that are relevant to all his fiction. There are also numerous references to his other writings in prose and verse. The second part of the book provides, in succinct form, essential background material, including an outline of Hardy's life and career and an account of the literary, historical and intellectual contexts of his fiction. As well as a guide to further reading, a chapter is devoted to samples of criticism illustrating a range of approaches to the chosen texts and representing the work of important critics past and present.

Chapters on the narrative frame, characters, imagery and symbols, structure and themes use practical analysis to build and refine our insight into Wuthering Heights. Part Two gives information about Emily Brontë's life and works, a discussion of this novel's place in the development of fiction and a comparison of three important critical views. Suggestions for further reading, fully explained examples of analysis and suggestions for further work make this volume both accessible and a bridge to further study.

Detailed textual analysis of the tales by the Miller, Nun's Priest, the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner, as well as the General Prologue invites you to sharpen your critical faculties, extend your knowledge and engage with the text itself in order to fully appreciate the work of this fascinating, complex and surprisingly modern writer. Whether you consider yourself an expert or a student, this study has something for you as it demonstrates the various approaches which can be used to learn about style, structure, multiple voices and the key themes of Chaucer's work. It offers a careful support and thoughtful framework upon which to base your own analysis and challenging you to form your own ideas and opinions.

Shakespeare's comedies combine charm and wit with probing intelligence. Through detailed analysis of passages from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Twelfth Night this book explores the satire and sympathy, the linguistic variety, and the dramatic skill which make Shakespearean comedy both entertaining and profound. Part II suggests connections with the rest of Shakespeare's work, and concludes with a survey of comic theory and criticism devoted to the comedies.Shakespeare's comedies combine charm and wit with probing intelligence. Through detailed analysis of passages from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Twelfth Night this book explores the satire and sympathy, the linguistic variety, and the dramatic skill which make Shakespearean comedy both entertaining and profound. Part II suggests connections with the rest of Shakespeare's work, and concludes with a survey of comic theory and criticism devoted to the comedies.

A practical approach to Charlotte Brontë's best- known novels, which shows how coherent criticism can be evolved from close reading. The intention is to help students develop skills in practical criticism and encourage them to follow through their ideas. The major part of the book contains worked examples, with detailed guidance and suggestions for further work which will be useful for both teachers and students. There is additional material on Brontë's background, and on critical views of her work. The novels covered are Jane Eyre, Shirley and Vilette.

John Donne's poems are some of the most challenging and stimulating in the English literary heritage. This book looks at the entire range of his poetic output, from the erotic to the divine, from satires to sonnets. Through detailed analysis of a large number of individual poems, Donne's intellectual vitality and unique poetic voice is entertainingly explored. The practical techniques are explained clearly, and when applied to the work of other poets, will enable the reader to feel confident in understanding and discussing even the most demanding verse.