Critical Theory Today Chapter 1

I think the first chapter of this book takes a nice, simple approach to Critical Theory. The author makes a very good point in the beginning about the difficulties involved in participating in and practicing critical theory. The subject is wrought with terms and ideas that the average person does not understand. One of the most interesting point is that as a result, literary criticism can seem like an exclusive entity, available only to those who are established scholars. But anyone, given the opportunity, can make lucid arguments and engaging analysis of a book. This becomes especially true when we consider that a novel, compared to each individual's unique life experiences, takes on a different meaning. I will enjoy gleaning more insight as the book launches into the different genres of literary criticism and their nuances.