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This concise introduction to the concept of ideology provides an overview of the term and considers its impact on literary theory. James M. Decker analyzes the history of Western ideology from its pre-Enlightenment roots to its current incarnations, providing readers with both an essential overview of key terms and issues and a thoughtful assessment of some of the important critical thinkers associated with the notion, including Marx, Gramsci and Althusser.Ideological theories are introduced within three broad categories - the subjective, the institutional and the political - which helps students to synthesize a concept that sprawls across the traditional disciplinary lines of philosophy, politics, economics, history and cultural and literary studies.Close readings of key texts demonstrate the impact of ideology on critical practice and literary reputation. Texts include: - Toni Morrison''s Sula - William Faulkner''s ''Barn Burning'' - George Orwell''s 1984Compact and easy-to-follow, Decker''s study finally asks: are we now in a ''post-ideological'' era?>
List of contents
General Editor's Preface
Acknowledgements
PART I: THEORY AND TERMINOLOGY
Introduction to 'Ideology'
Ideology and the Paradox of Subjectivity
Ideology and Institutional Ideology
Political Ideology
PART II: 'READING' IDEOLOGY
Toni Morrison's Sula and Subjective Ideology
William Faulkner's Barn Burning and Institutional Ideology
George Orwell's 1984 and Political Ideology
PART III: CONCLUSION
The 'Post-Ideological' Era?
Notes
Annotated Bibliography
Bibliography
Index.
About the author
JAMES DECKER is Associate Professor of English at The Franciscan University, USA.
