Marxism and Literary Criticism by Terry Eagleton (PDF)

Description

Marxist literary criticism is becoming increasingly important in Europe as a whole, and interest in the subject is rapidly growing in this country. In this book, Dr. Eagleton analyses the major issues that the subject presents, discussing the writing of Marx and Engels themselves and the work of such critics as Plekhanov, Trotsky, Lenin, Lukacs, Goldmann, Caudwell, Benjamin and Brecht. They are seen from four viewpoints central to Marxist thought: the relation of literature to history, the problem of ‘form’ and ‘content’ in literature, the question of literature and political commitment, and the importance of production and technology in art. Dr. Eagleton’s exploration of these critical stances throws useful light on the connection between the Marxist approach and structuralism. The author stresses, however, that Marxist criticism cannot be seen simply in academic terms. In his preface he rejects the illusion of ‘neutrality’ in such a field, and writes: ‘Marxist criticism is part of a larger body of theoretical analysis which aims to understand ideologies–the ideas, values and feelings by which men experience their societies at various times. And certain of those ideas, values and feelings are available to us only in literature. To understand ideologies is to understand both the past and the present more deeply, and such understanding contributes to our liberation.’ Dr. Eagleton shows the part that Marxist criticism has to play in defining the crucial link between literature and historical conditions, and in so doing has produced a book that is both constructive and committed.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: From the Inside Flap “Far and away the best short introduction to Marxist criticism (both history and problems) which I have seen.”–Fredric R. Jameson “Terry Eagleton is that rare bird among literary critics–a real writer.”–Colin McCabe, The Guardian   From the Back Cover “Far and away the best short introduction to Marxist criticism (both history and problems) which I have seen.”–Fredric R. Jameson “Terry Eagleton is that rare bird among literary critics–a real writer.”–Colin McCabe, The Guardian About the Author Terry Eagleton is a prominent British literary theorist, critic and public intellectual. He is currently Distinguished Professor of English Literature at Lancaster University, Professor of Cultural Theory at the National University of Ireland and Distinguished Visiting Professor of English Literature at The University of Notre Dame. Read more

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐eagleton is probably the most accessible marxist critic writing today (although many people have a hard time getting over his connections with raymond williams and with his polemical style). this intro to the field is excellent for those who do not plan to read many of eagleton’s later works or who just want to see what a nuanced perspective on marxist literary/cultural criticism looks like. his discussions of benjamin and brect show up a great deal in later books (esp walter benjamin or towards a revolutionary criticism) and are discussed in much finer detail. if you are looking for a true introduction to marxist literary theory, this is not the book for you (try the marxist literary theory anthology eagleton and drew milne edit instead) since it is more of an intro to eagleton’s brand of criticism and theory.

⭐marxism and literary criticism is a concise work of art – much like the art eagleton believes is a distinctive responsiblity for any author to create. he is successfuly able to colour marx as being compassionate towards the healty-expression of society through the means of expressive and creative literature rather than a cold, dry theorist. eagleton’s focus is: literature and history, form and content, the commitment of the author, and the author as a producer.this is a good study for authors, sociologist, and other creative artists alike.

⭐Guy loves himself.

⭐Great book. Great ideas, but a difficult read. Thanks. John.

⭐It’s very interesting but at times difficult to follow and wasn’t great for what I wanted it for, which was applying Marxist criticism to a literary text. Worth a read though.

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