This volume is an ideal introduction for those coming to literary theory for the first time. It covers the major theoretical approaches: Bakhtinian Criticism, Structuralism, Feminist Theory, Marxist Literary Theories, Reader-Response Theories, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Deconstruction, Poststructuralism, New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Postcolonial Theory, Gay Studies/ Queer Theories, Cultural Studies and Postmodernism. Each chapter contains a clear presentation of the theory in question and applies it to an analysis of a key literary text to help students understand both the methodology and the practice of literary theory. The book is rounded out by useful bibliographies and a glossary of critical terms.