The title of this book not only expresses the desire for overcoming and closing an era and a tradition, which certainly offered a lot to Greek thought and criticism, but also the need for new steps and new orientations. "After Aesthetics" is potentially hopeful and not arrogantly negative about the past. It promises a new beginning by attempting to apply contemporary theoretical approaches to modern Greek literature. Its purpose, therefore, is twofold: to introduce the reader to certain areas of literary theory and to demonstrate experimental ways in which it can be utilized for the study of Greek literature.
As an introduction to literary theory, this book is not exhaustive because it leaves many aspects uncovered; however, it provides the reader with a general overview and equips them to progress on their own from there. On the other hand, the applications to modern Greek texts demonstrate the possibilities offered by more contemporary approaches for an interpretive and theoretically informed re-reading of Greek literature. From this dual perspective, the book will beneficially stimulate the reader and contribute to the renewal of Greek literary criticism, pushing it beyond aesthetics.