This book provides students with lucid and authoritative definitions of some of the most significant terms and concepts employed in the study of literary theory. It offers 250 terms from many areas of literary theory, including cultural studies, psychoanalysis, poststructuralism, Marxist and feminist studies, postcolonialism, and other areas of identity politics. In addition, it provides definitions of principal areas of literary study, and a chronological chart of major critics and philosophers. Key Concepts in Literary Theory is an indispensable reference work for anyone interested in the complexities of the theories currently discussed in literary and cultural studies.