Reflections on Literary Theory - Who Doesn't Hate Theory Now?

Explore the final lecture on literary theory from Yale University's "Introduction to Theory of Literature" course. Delve into the complex relationships between language, speech, intention, and communication as Professor Paul Fry retrospectively defines theory as a means of examining the legitimacy of communication suspicion. Revisit key concepts from New Criticism, Jakobson, Bakhtin, Saussure, de Man, Fish, and Knapp and Michaels. Analyze epitaphs and take a final tour through Tony the Tow Truck to understand the central role of language in various literary theories. Discover the three ways language impedes speech, how language speaks through speech, and reflect on three final theses in this comprehensive 50-minute exploration of literary theory.

- Chapter 1. What Is Theory?
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- Chapter 2. Three Ways That Language Impedes Speech
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- Chapter 3. Language Speaking Through Speech
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- Chapter 4. A Study of Epitaphs
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- Chapter 5. Final Reflections on Tony the Tow Truck
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- Chapter 6. Three Final Theses
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