LITERARY THEORY AND CRITICISM
Topic: LITERARY THEORY AND CRITICISM
LITERARY THEORY
Literary theory refers to the analytical frameworks and perspectives used to study and interpret literary texts. These theories provide tools for examining the meaning, structure, and context of literature.
“Literary theory” is the body of ideas and methods we use in the practical reading of literature. In literary theory, we are not referring to the meaning of a specific literary work, but to the theories that help us understand what literature can mean.
Literary theory is the systematic study of the nature of literature and the methods of literary analysis. Since the 19th century, literary scholarship has expanded to include literary theory as well as intellectual history, moral philosophy, social philosophy, and interdisciplinary themes relevant to how people interpret meaning.
Literary theories provide frameworks for analyzing and interpreting literature from different perspectives. They encourage critical thinking, help readers understand historical and cultural contexts, and demonstrate that multiple interpretations of a single text are possible.
The value of literary theory lies in the set of tools it provides for analyzing and uncovering deeper meaning within texts. Each literary theory sheds light on specific aspects of literature and written stories, giving readers a focused lens for interpretation.
SCOPE OF LITERARY THEORY
The scope of literary theory includes principles that apply across groups of literary works. This is sometimes referred to as the theory of literature or theories of literary patterns.
It includes theoretical topics such as:
COMPONENTS OF STYLE
Genres
Elements of narrative discourse
BENEFITS OF LITERARY THEORY
LITERARY Theory:
Enhances critical thinking skills
Deepens appreciation for diverse literary traditions
Allows for multiple interpretations of a single text
Helps readers explore themes, structures, and symbolism
Focuses on the internal structure of literary texts—plot, characters, language, symbolism, etc.
The founder of modern literary theory is Ferdinand de Saussure.
LITERARY CRITICISM
Literary criticism is the practice of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literary texts. Critics use various theoretical approaches to understand themes, characters, plot, structure, and other literary elements.
Literary elements are the building blocks of literature. Authors use them to create meaning, convey themes, and engage readers.
Below are key literary elements:
SYMBOLISM
The use of objects, colours, or other elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts, adding depth and meaning to the narrative.
IMAGERY
Language that creates vivid sensory experiences.
Types include:
Auditory imagery – descriptions of what can be heard
(You may add visual, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory imagery)
PLOT
The sequence of events that makes up the narrative. It includes:
Exposition – introduction of the story
Rising action – events leading to the climax
Climax – the turning point of the story
Falling action – events following the climax
Resolution – conclusion of the story
CHARACTERS
The people or animals that drive the plot and express themes. They include:
PROTAGONIST – the main character
ANTAGONIST – the character who opposes the protagonist
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS – those who aid or hinder the protagonist
SETTING
The time and place in which the story occurs, including:
Physical setting – environment, landscape, or location
Cultural setting – social, historical, or cultural context.
THEME
The central idea or message the author intends to convey. Themes often:
Explore universal human experiences
Comment on social issues
Reveal the human condition
CONFLICT.
The challenges or obstacles characters face.
Types include:
Internal conflict – struggle within a character
External conflict – struggle against outside forces
STYLE.
The author’s unique voice and manner of writing, including:
Choice of language
Sentence structure
Use of figurative language
POINT OF VIEW
The perspective from which a story is told:
First-person – the narrator is a character within the story
Third-person – the narrator is outside the story
Omniscient – the narrator knows everything about all characters and events
TONE
The author’s attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter. Tone is conveyed through:
Word choice
Language style
Narrative voice