Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama

Robert DiYanni provides a compact resource for students in his book Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama, ISBN 9780073124452. With student-driven methodologies and a strong focus on forming relational links between texts and thinking critically about literature, this textbook is famous for its concise presentation of the recognized principles of literature and literary analysis. This book boasts a plethora of traditional, modern, and contemporary selections spanning the lines of three major genres from the most renowned writers to the newer, lesser known ones. Not only are model writings included but also expanded coverage of the art of writing about literature with strategies and tips presented as well. Robert DiYanni provides readers with an exceptionally organized presentation within the pages of Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. This book begins with a thorough 'Introduction' to the text and is then followed by three sections devoted to each of the genres as well as a concluding section for further application of content learned. Part 1 is devoted to the genre of 'Fiction' with initial chapters devoted to various facets encompassing the field including types of short fiction, elements of fiction, and writing about fiction. The section then takes a look at 'Three Fiction Writers in Context' followed by the anticipated anthology of short fiction with works from such authors as William Faulkner, James Joyce, and Alice Walker. Part 2 then presents readers with chapters devoted to exploring 'Poetry.' This section details the basic concepts behind reading and writing poetry with a look at different types of poetry, elements of poetry, transformations, as well as 'Three Poets in Context.' The 'Anthology of Poems' includes selections from modern poets such as Wendy Cope and Ted Kooser, world poets such as Burton Raffel and Pablo Neruda, as well as a plethora of others for further reading including William Blake, John Keats, and William Shakespeare. The next section of this book, part 3, examines the genre of 'Drama.' Chapters provide readers with information about reading plays, types of drama, the elements of drama, and writing about drama. Chapters then delve into specific types of theater including that of Greek, Elizabethan, and Modern Realistic theaters. The final chapters of this section explore 'An Anthology of Plays' with works from August Wilson, Susan Glaspell, and Oscar Wilde. The concluding section of this book devotes itself to providing students with information on 'Research and Critical Perspectives.' Chapters provide strategies for writing with sources as well as analyzing and interpreting literature.