critical theory
A Critical Theory is like a set of "lenses" that literary critics put on in order to bring certain elements of the work into focus. ... By "trying on" these assumptions for yourself, you can broaden your appreciation for the work, and for the critical theory or strategy.
"Critical theory is like a map. It can save time; but the next step is to see that saving time is all it can do. That is not where we now are. The present mood of bafflement still makes a lot of foundationist assumptions, rather as if critics were vainly seeking a new God or at least a new scripture; and if that mood is to be outlived those assumptions will have to be reconsidered. There is less to be baffled about, I suggest, than is often supposed.
II"
METAMIA is a free database of analogy and metaphor. Anyone can contribute or search. The subject matter can be anything. Science is popular, but poetry is encouraged. The goal is to integrate our fluid muses with the stark literalism of a relational database. Metamia is like a girdle for your muses, a cognitive girdle.