Northrop Frye: New Criticism
Northrop Frye is a cool, refreshing wind swooping out of Canada to blow modern
deconstructionist theory away. His work has helped me immensely in understanding
Shakespeare, Literary Genres, and Life. High praise, I know, but his work warrants
the highest acclaim. His work is extensive, varied and superb. He is
categorized as a "new critic."
Frye's Anatomy
of Criticism will lead you to a greater understanding of Shakespeare, the Bible,
and anything else you read. It is a useful analysis of the classic genres and how
they are used in Shakespeare's work. His four essays in this work are on modes,
symbols, myths and genres. Frye sees these four major divisions as corresponding to
history, ethics, the archetype and rhetoric. I would never put this on the
"For Fun" page -- however, if you are serious about expanding your understanding
of Shakespeare, this is a work you should consider. Of special interest is Frye's work on
"the green space" in Shakespeare.
If "theory" is not what
you're after, but you'd like to read some essays that will enrich your own understanding
of a specific play, try Northrop Frye on Shakespeare. This book is a series of lectures
that the author uses in his Shakespeare class. It is written in a clear,
uncomplicated language and is certainly cheaper than the college course. This is
perfect for the reader who is looking for something less pedantic than some of Frye's
other work.
