
Sophia Pawlaczek (Roundwood Park School) reviews Jonathan Culler's 'Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction'
Something I agreed with in this book…
The most agreeable part of this book is the first chapters which explore the definition of literature and literary theory, as they are such complex subjects that connote such different understandings in everybody, the direct introduction ensures all have the same understanding from the outset. After these terms are questioned and investigated, Culler engages and exposes the questions and interests the reader may have once these terms have been discussed.
Something I disagreed with…
It is difficult to disagree with the topics explored due to the nature of this book and its explanatory style. However, one could disagree with sections of the book if one disagreed with the definition of the terms or theories provided which may compromise the exploration of the effects of these theories.
Something I learnt from this book that I didn't know before…
In this book I learnt many things but most prominently, I would say the chapter on performative language was the chapter that taught me the most. I have never come across performative language which made it incredibly insightful from the start.