This is an introductory guide to comedy in English literature that systematically applies comic theory to a wide range of texts from Chaucer to "Bridget Jones' Diary". From Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" to Helen Fielding's "Bridget Jones' Diary", this is a comprehensive introductory guide to comedy in the English literary canon. Beginning with a critical exploration of historical and philosophical theories of humour, the book goes on to apply those theories through close-readings of a wide range of major texts, authors and genres from the Medieval period to the present. "The Comic Mode in English Literature" examines such texts as: Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; Pope's "The Rape of the Lock"; Austen's "Emma"; Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers"; Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"; and, Amis' "Lucky Jim". Covering poetry, prose and drama, this comprehensive guide will be essential reading for students of comic writing, literary history and genre.

Book Information
ISBN 9781441112316
Author Murray Roston
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Continuum Publishing Corporation
Publisher Continuum Publishing Corporation