Introduction to Literary Criticism
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Summary
Editor's review
The book's outstanding value lies in its clear structure and accessible exposition. The author excels at using apt cases (such as analyses of works by Lu Xun and Zhang Ailing) to demonstrate abstract theory, lowering the threshold for beginners while maintaining scholarly rigor. The emphasis on "close reading" methods and the guidance on the practical aspects of critical writing are especially useful, effectively helping readers move from passively receiving theory to actively employing critical perspectives. For Chinese department students, literature enthusiasts, or readers who wish to systematically understand literary criticism, this book provides a solid, reliable, and inspiring starting point. It does not offer quick-fix "formulas," but is dedicated to cultivating a prudent, open, and historically grounded critical thinking.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Undergraduate lower-year students in Chinese or related humanities majors who wish to build a systematic knowledge framework of literary criticism.
- General literature enthusiasts interested in literary theory but intimidated by its difficulty, seeking a clear and friendly introductory guide.
- Secondary school Chinese teachers or promoters of literary reading who wish to improve their theoretical literacy in textual analysis and teaching methods.
- Writing enthusiasts or book reviewers who intend to learn professional techniques of literary analysis and review writing.
Not a good fit for
- Utilitarian readers seeking to quickly master "universal criticism templates" or writing formulas.
- Senior researchers already in the field of literary criticism, for whom the content may be too basic.
Reading tips
- It is recommended to read the chapters in order, first building an overall understanding of the basic questions and historical threads of criticism.
- While reading, try to analyze literary works you are familiar with using the theories mentioned in the book, completing the transition from theory to practice.
- For important theorists or schools, use this book as a guide to further consult original works or more specialized studies for deeper learning.
About the publisher
Adhering to the publishing purpose of "broad education," East China Normal University Press extends beyond its three main areas of textbooks, academic works and general-interest books, and its catalogue clearly reflects a vision that bridges Chinese and foreign humanities and social sciences. In foreign literature it offers classics such as Yasunari Kawabata's Snow Country and The Old Capital (translated by Chen Dewen), Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and Rilke's annotated edition of The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge (translated by Chen Zao); in architecture, Chen Congzhou's two-volume Appreciation Dictionary of Chinese Gardens; in social psychology, The Social Animal: 12th Edition; and it also includes philosophy titles, traditional-culture works such as the six-volume Paintings for the Protection of Life, and education books. Its authors include renowned Chinese and foreign writers and skilled translators, showing a publishing profile that balances classic translation, scholarly accumulation and public reading. Public information is limited; the above is based only on the books in the catalogue.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 说明
- 致读者
- 推荐书目及理由
- 第一编 什么是学院派批评
- 本编导语：所谓“学院批评”
- 第一章 学院里的批评家
- 为什么需要批评
- 当批评遭遇理论
- 为了文学的理论
- 本章课后练习
- 第二章 批评的美学难题
- 描述：事实与感受
- 阐释：意图与意义
- 评价：原因与理由
- 结语
- 本章课后练习
- 第二编 文学批评的价值面向
- 本编导语：所谓“价值面向”
- 第三章 文学之为现代
- 再现性与现代性
- 文学与现代境遇
- 文学与时空体验
- 文学与形式之变
- 本章课后练习
- 第四章 文学之为审美
- 在思想与审美之间
- 文学性与伦理难题
- 形式分析的三层次
- 如何避免“两张皮”
- 本章课后练习
- 第五章 文学之为独创
- 原创·创新·独创
- 独创性与流行观念
- 差异、影响与传统
- 一点写作建议
- 本章课后练习
- 第三编 读入文本
- 本编导语：批评的路径
- 第六章 部分与整体的辩证法
- 何谓“新批评”
- 显隐双层结构
- 文本中的结构主义
- 本章课后练习
- 第七章 叙事学批评（上）：故事与叙述
- 人物·角色·性格
- 发现“叙述行为”
- 叙述者问题种种
- 结语
- 本章课后练习
- 第八章 叙事学批评（中）：叙述视角
- 叙述视角种种
- 视角与人称
- 视角与身份
- 本章课后练习
- 第九章 叙事学批评（下）：时间与空间
- 叙述与时空
- 叙述时间：时序，频率，速度
- 叙述空间：视角，情节，意境
- 本章课后练习
- 第十章 文体学批评：风格与文体
- 文体之为风格
- 从语气看文体
- 文体与语际书写
- 文体与体裁
- 文体与传统
- 本章课后练习
- 第四编 读出文本
- 本编导语：一个作为过渡的说明
- 何谓“读出文本”
- 文本与作品
- “某某叙事”问题
- 第十一章 程式与符号
- 发现“套路”
- 对立与结构
- 符号学的两组概念
- 本章课后练习
- 第十二章 表层与深层（上）：以精神分析批评为例
- 精神分析与文学批评
- 精神分析批评的路径
- 自我·梦·欲望
- 小结
- 本章课后练习
- 第十三章 表层与深层（中）：以女性主义批评为例
- 何谓女性主义
- 女性主义批评的两种范式
- 女性形象批评关键词
- “女性写作”的悖论
- 本章课后练习
- 第十四章 表层与深层（下）：以意识形态批评为例
- 作为“绝对视域”的政治
- 是“批判”还是“批评”
- 意识形态批评的美学逻辑
- 本章课后练习
- 第十五章 内部与外部：在文学中发现历史
- 文学的历史逻辑
- 逻辑之一：摹仿与程式
- 逻辑之二：总体与同构
- 逻辑之三：讽喻与影射
- 小结
- 本章课后练习
- 结语：在知性与启示之间
- 后记
FAQ
What is the difference between this book and common "Literary Theory Tutorial" textbooks?
Can I understand it without a foundation in Western literary theory?
Does this book pay much attention to Chinese literary criticism?
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About the author
Tang Yonghua is an author with a small number of works and rather limited publicly available information; the library currently holds two titles by this author. An Introduction to Literary Criticism shows an interest in the methods and entry points of literary criticism, addressing readers who wish to understand critical practice and acquire basic tools of analysis. Zong Baihua and the Predicament of "Chinese Aesthetics": A Reflective Investigation turns to the study of Chinese aesthetics, offering a reflective scholarly examination centered on Zong Baihua's thought. The two books belong respectively to literary theory and aesthetic research, and their writing combines guidance with speculation: the former focuses on presenting foundational knowledge, while the latter foregrounds a sense of problems. Overall, Tang Yonghua's writing is aimed at readers who study and research literature, and may serve as a reference for entering critical practice and aesthetic discussion, with a research orientation that values theoretical reflection.
