Theories of the Symbol: Understanding Politics in an Unfamiliar Culture

by Catherine Porter (Translator), Catherine Porter (Translator), Tzvetan Todorov (Author)

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Paperback
1984
$67.13

Focusing on theories of verbal symbolism, Tzvetan Todorov here presents a history of semiotics. From an account of the semiotic doctrines embodied in the works of classical rhetoric to an exploration of representative modern concepts of the symbol found in ethnology, psychoanalysis, linguistics, and poetics, Todorov examines the rich tradition of sign theory. In the course of his discussion Todorov treats the works of such writers as Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, Augustine, Condillac, Lessing, Diderot, Goethe, Novalis, the Schlegel brothers, Levy-Bruhl, Freud, Saussure, and Jakobson.

Synopsis

Focusing on theories of verbal symbolism, Tzvetan Todorov here presents a history of semiotics. From an account of the semiotic doctrines embodied in the works of classical rhetoric to an exploration of representative modern concepts of the symbol found in ethnology, psychoanalysis, linguistics, and poetics, Todorov examines the rich tradition of sign theory. In the course of his discussion Todorov treats the works of such writers as Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, Augustine, Condillac, Lessing, Diderot, Goethe, Novalis, the Schlegel brothers, Levy-Bruhl, Freud, Saussure, and Jakobson.

$67.13

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 302
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 10 Sep 1984
ISBN 10: 0801492882
ISBN 13: 9780801492884

Media Reviews

This very good translation is the most important study of symbolism to appear in English since Angus Fletcher's Allegory: The Theory of a Symbolic Mode. A learned and far-reaching book. -Choice

Todorov has always had a talent for providing useful books, and here, as always, he is extremely clear. . . . This is one of his better books, presenting a variety of information with clarity and intelligence. -Times Literary Supplement

Theories of the Symbol initiates a major methodological (re)turn: the move away from structuralist-semiotic tendencies to other forms of literary philosophy and history. It is this change of critical terrain which no doubt will direct us toward redefining and determining the future modes of literary theory. On this point, Todorov is, as usual, ahead of the game. -Modern Language Notes

Author Bio

Catherine Porter is Professor of French at State University of New York College at Cortland.