Uses of Literature [Hardcover]

Uses of Literature bridges the gap between literary theory and common-sense beliefs about why we read literature.

• Explores the diverse motives and mysteries of why we read
• Offers four different ways of thinking about why we read literature - for recognition, enchantment, knowledge, and shock
• Argues for a new “phenomenology” in literary studies that incorporates the historical and social dimensions of reading
• Includes examples of literature from a wide range of national literary traditions

Acknowledgments vi

Introduction 1

1 Recognition 23

2 Enchantment 51

3 Knowledge 77

4 Shock 105

Conclusion 132

Notes 136

Index 146

Together, Felski’s four short essays on recognition, enchantment, knowledge and shock leave me refreshed, invigorated, and willing to engage with my own reading responses both more critically and more charitably. She does achieve her aim, which is to get 'a better handle on how and why we read.'” (Academic Matters, January 2009)

Felski finds that it is the structural elitism of the literary critics that has given theory its bad name … .Felski wants to find an 'ordinary' theory of literature and culture that would replace these hermeneutics of suspicion. Her strategy is to outline a theory of literature based on four modes of human interaction—recognition, enchantment, knowledge and shock. She devotes a chapter to each, marshalling a wide range of texts to illustrate her approach ... .The one on 'recognition is convincing'.. .Felski's manifesto is timely. (Times Higher Education Supplement, August 2008)

“Felski propol³L