In theory
Andrew Gallix looks at some of the most influential ideas in literary theory and criticism
The end of realist stories
Andrew Gallix: The limitations of mimetic storytelling are ever more apparent, but what should come next is less clear
Oulipo: freeing literature by tightening its rules
By imposing multiple restrictions on the processes of writing, this group of French writers seek to find what literature might be, rather than what it is
In theory: the unread and the unreadable
Andrew Gallix: We measure our lives with unread books – and 'difficult' works can induce the most guilt. How should we view this challenge?
In theory: the death of literature
Andrew Gallix: The fact that people have been proclaiming its passing for centuries only makes the sense of its ending more acute
Hauntology: A not-so-new critical manifestation
Andrew Gallix: The new vogue in literary theory is shot through with earlier ideas
In theory: Towards a New Novel
Andrew Gallix: Alain Robbe-Grillet's provocative essays on creating new literature outside the 'dead rules' of the past resonate now
In theory: Mimetic desire
Andrew Gallix: Nearly 50 years on, René Girard's theory remains a powerfully illuminating insight into both literature and the world
In theory: The Death of the Author
Andrew Gallix: Kicking off a new occasional series about the most influential literary theory, Andrew Gallix revisits a classic essay by Roland Barthes
