Practical criticism underlies everything students of English literature do. It is a way of reading the text closely, but with a grasp of the larger issues involved. This book is a practical, step-by-step guide which shows the student how to gain a sense of what a poem or passage of prose or drama is about, how to analyse it and how to build a successful essay. Easy to read and uncluttered by technical vocabulary, it will prove an invaluable resource for any student.

Martin Coyle is Professor of English Literature at Cardiff University, UK.

Acknowledgements
Preface
PART 1: POETRY Why 'Practical Criticism'?
Understanding Poetry
Understanding a Poem: Some Examples Building a Response
Discussing a Detail, Building a Case
Twenty Questions
Technical Terms
Writing a Poetry
Practical Criticism
Essay Taking Things Further
PART 2: PROSE Understanding a Passage of Prose
Understanding a Passage of Prose: Some Examples Building a Response Discussing a Detail, Building a Case
Writing a Prose Practical Criticism Essay
PART 3: DRAMA Understanding an Extract from a Play
Building a Response
Writing a Drama
Practical Criticism
Essay
Further Reading.