The End of Theory - Neo-Pragmatism and Literary Criticism

Explore a thought-provoking lecture from Yale University's "Introduction to Theory of Literature" course that delves into Knapp and Michaels's influential article "Against Theory." Examine the historical context and key aspects of neo-pragmatism while investigating the complex relationships between intention, meaning, language, and speech. Analyze Wordsworth's "A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal" to understand the limits of meaning and intention. Discover why theory remains a crucial tool in literary studies as the lecture addresses disputes raised by Knapp and Michaels. Gain insights into topics such as Stanley Fish's contributions, the discovery of language in speech, and the practicality of theory in this comprehensive 54-minute exploration of literary criticism.