Children's Literature and Critical Theory Reading and Writing for Understanding

by May, Jill P.

• ISBN13: 9780195095845
• ISBN10: 0195095847
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-12-28
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In order to place criticism into the discussion of children's literature,the author explores the writings of professors who have laid the groundwork incritical theory for all literature, explaining what literary criticism is, howit works, and why it is an important part of studying any literature. Sheintroduces the prominent schools of literary criticism and shows how herstudents in children's literature classes, and teachers in the field, havebecome critics in their own right. The book contains brief introductions to someclassroom practices which evolved from teachers reading critical theory, helpingto create role models for others who wish to develop a program of criticaltheory in the elementary schools. The author includes extensive discussions ofissues such as canon formation, realism in literature, and response theory,striving to introduce her readers to criticism to suggest its role in shapingall readers' responses to children's stories. She also encourages them to firstbe real readers who enjoy listening to the author's story before turning tosomeone else's theories about literature and searching for critical answers thatfit their personal responses. A glossary of literary terms for new readers ofcriticism is included as well as an extensive bibliography for further readingon the topics discussed.

Table of Contents

Reading, Discussing, and Interpreting Children's Literature	3	(11)
Literary Criticism and Children's Literature	14	(24)
Looking at the Basic Elements of Literature	38	(26)
Rhetorical Style in Children's Literature	64	(24)
Understanding Utopian Worlds in Children's Literature	88	(26)
Realism and Moral Attitudes in Children's Literature	114	(24)
Poetic Language and Literary Style	138	(19)
Reader Response in Children's Literature: Listening to Determine Audience	157	(15)
Adults and Children Interpreting Children's Literature Together	172	(19)
References	191	(6)
Appendix A: Glossary of Literary Terms	197	(10)
Appendix B: Related Readings	207	(32)
Index	239