Literature as Meaning

Using contemporary themes, culturally and historically diverse selections, and thought-provoking questions that illuminate key literary concepts, Literature as Meaning invites students to explore vital human issues shaped by literary art.

In this brief, new thematic anthology, acclaimed author Wendy Steiner masterfully addresses a variety of approaches to exploring literature, including close readings of literary texts, a social issues-based approach--gender identity, ecology, and war--and an introduction to literature as a discipline with discussions of genre, canon, metaphor, etc. The text's organization, content, and pedagogy provides students with the opportunity to analyze all aspects of literature, rather than just focusing on the moral, social, or political themes raised.

Part of the Penguin Academics series, this text is distinguished for its brevity, economy, and quality. The perfect alternative to lengthy anthologies, it is an affordable introduction to the study of literature.

Features

• Organized around some of today's most contentious issues--ecology, race, gender, war, and spirituality--the thematic readings demonstrate the relevance of literature throughout history, across cultures, and into present day controversies.
• The general introduction gives students confidence in their own critical abilities and guides students to conceive essays as arguments rather than as personal reactions.
• Introductions to each thematic section help contextualize selections.
• Critical thinking questions at the end of each thematic section encourage students to examine selections closely and learn key literary concepts exemplified within each section.
• Literary works represent all four genres and a diversity of voices, ranging from the canonical to the contemporary.