The Novel After Theory

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, European, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book The Novel After Theory by Judith Ryan, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Judith Ryan ISBN: 9780231528160
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: December 13, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Judith Ryan
ISBN: 9780231528160
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: December 13, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Novels began to incorporate literary theory in unexpected ways in the late twentieth century. Through allusion, parody, or implicit critique, theory formed an additional strand in fiction that raised questions about the nature of authorship and the practice of writing. Studying this phenomenon provides fresh insight into the recent development of the novel and the persistence of modern theory beyond the period of its greatest success. In this book, Judith Ryan opens these questions to a range of readers, drawing them into debates over the value of theory.

Ryan investigates what prompted fiction writers to incorporate and respond to theory nearly thirty years ago. Designed for readers unfamiliar with the complexities of theory, Ryan's book introduces the discipline's major trends and controversies and notes the salient ideas of a carefully selected set of individual thinkers. Ryan follows novelists' adaptation to and engagement with arguments drawn from theory as they translate abstract ideas into language, structure, and fictional strategy. At the core of her book is a fascinating microstudy of French poststructuralism in its dialogue with narrative fiction.

Investigating theories of textuality, psychology, and society in the work of Don DeLillo, Thomas Pynchon, J. M. Coetzee, Margaret Atwood, W. G. Sebald, and Umberto Eco, as well as Monika Maron, Alain Robbe-Grillet, Marguerite Duras, Marilynne Robinson, David Foster Wallace, and Christa Wolf, Ryan identifies subtle negotiations between author and theory and the richness this dynamic adds to texts. Resetting the way we think and learn about literature, her book reads current literary theory while uniquely tracing its shaping of a genre.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Novels began to incorporate literary theory in unexpected ways in the late twentieth century. Through allusion, parody, or implicit critique, theory formed an additional strand in fiction that raised questions about the nature of authorship and the practice of writing. Studying this phenomenon provides fresh insight into the recent development of the novel and the persistence of modern theory beyond the period of its greatest success. In this book, Judith Ryan opens these questions to a range of readers, drawing them into debates over the value of theory.

Ryan investigates what prompted fiction writers to incorporate and respond to theory nearly thirty years ago. Designed for readers unfamiliar with the complexities of theory, Ryan's book introduces the discipline's major trends and controversies and notes the salient ideas of a carefully selected set of individual thinkers. Ryan follows novelists' adaptation to and engagement with arguments drawn from theory as they translate abstract ideas into language, structure, and fictional strategy. At the core of her book is a fascinating microstudy of French poststructuralism in its dialogue with narrative fiction.

Investigating theories of textuality, psychology, and society in the work of Don DeLillo, Thomas Pynchon, J. M. Coetzee, Margaret Atwood, W. G. Sebald, and Umberto Eco, as well as Monika Maron, Alain Robbe-Grillet, Marguerite Duras, Marilynne Robinson, David Foster Wallace, and Christa Wolf, Ryan identifies subtle negotiations between author and theory and the richness this dynamic adds to texts. Resetting the way we think and learn about literature, her book reads current literary theory while uniquely tracing its shaping of a genre.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Spirals by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Short Selling by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book A New Foreign Policy by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Empire and Nation by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Eastwood's Iwo Jima by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Appetite for Innovation by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book The Chautauqua Moment by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Words on Screen by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Vaccines and Your Child by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book What Matters? by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Music at the Limits by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book A Convergence of Civilizations by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Religious Statecraft by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Idly Scribbling Rhymers by Judith Ryan
Cover of the book Recovering Buddhism in Modern China by Judith Ryan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy