Without a proper grasp of its relevant theories, approaches, and technical language, an effective analysis and interpretation of literature can be a daunting task. The Literary Theory Toolkit offers readers a rich compendium of key terms, concepts, and arguments necessary for the study of literature in a critical-theoretical context. Author Herman Rapaport provides a lucid overview of the field of literary study and presents readers with the intellectual tools necessary to construct an effective foundation for literary analysis and a richer appriecation of world literature. In addition to a lucid account of textual and social approaches to literary critical study that have been central to the languages and literatures, topics covered include narrative, poetic, and performance analysis, the study of textual systems, and key aspects of social theory relevant to literary study. With varied examples drawn from literary texts spanning all periods and genres, this toolkit is lively and essential reading for all students of literary theory.