April 20, 2001

A Puzzling Figure in Literary Criticism Is Suddenly Central

By SCOTT McLEMEE

Did Kenneth Burke, intellectual maverick, accidentally create cultural studies?

At the age of 20, Kenneth Burke left academic life for good; or so he thought. "It is now time for me to quit college," he announced to a friend, "and begin studying."

ALSO SEE:

Writings by and About Kenneth Burke

So he dropped out of