Ways of Reading is a best-selling textbook for undergraduate students of English Language and English Literature, providing readers with the tools to analyse and interpret the meanings of literary and non-literary texts.

Six sections, comprising twenty five self-contained units, cover:

techniques of analysis and problem-solving

language variation

attributing meaning

poetic uses of language

narrative

drama and performance texts

The book combines the linguistic and literary background to each topic with discussion of examples from books, poems, magazines and online sources, and links those examples to follow-up practical activities and a list of titles for further reading.

This fourth edition has been redesigned and updated throughout, with many fresh examples and exercises. Further reading suggestions have been brought up to date and new material on electronic sources and the Internet has been integrated. Ways of Reading continues to be the core resource for students of English Language and Literature.

Reviews

'Ways of Reading is the one textbook that no undergraduate student of English can afford to do without. Whether for their essays in literary criticism or literary theory, this book is an invaluable resource providing expert guidance and relevant information. Each chapter offers clear explanations of theoretical concepts and practical applications of interpretive techniques. This richly revised fourth edition confirms its ever-rising popularity as a key textbook in English Studies, with exciting new material and fresh examples.'

Jean-Jacques Weber, University of Luxembourg

'Ways of Reading is by far the most lucid and lively guide to the skills of reading. Beginners and advanced students alike will find clearly set out in this book the concepts and techniques, examples and exercises, that can help them become active and critical readers of all kinds of literary and media discourse.'

‘This comprehensive introduction to the study of literature deftly balances a focus on practical techniques with a considered handling of theoretical approaches. Undergraduate students – and their lecturers – will welcome in particular its clarity, topical examples and accessibility.’

Julie Scanlon, Northumbria University, UK

Contents

Section 1: Basic techniques and problem-solving 1. Asking Questions as a Way into Reading 2. Using Information Sources 3.Analysing Units of Structure 4. Recognizing Genre Section 2: Language variation 5. Language and Time 6. Language and Place 7. Language and Context: Register 8. Language and Gender 9. Language and Society Section 3: Attributing meaning 10. Metaphor and Figurative Language 11. Irony 12. Juxtaposition 13. Allusion and Intertextuality 14. Authorship and Intention 15. Mode of Address: Positioning the Reader Section 4: Poetic form 16. Rhyme and Sound Patterning 17. Verse, Metre an...