Contemporary Literary Theory _ Study Material

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1. Contemporary Literary Theory LN511
Unit :1
Introduction Background and Types of Literary Theory
Study Material



Introduction:
Literary theory refers to the systematic study and interpretation of literature, aiming to uncover
the underlying principles, structures, and meanings that shape literary works. It provides
readers, critics, and scholars with analytical tools to explore the complexities of literature and
to understand how different literary elements interact to create meaning.
Literary theory can encompass a wide range of approaches, each offering distinct perspectives
on how literature functions and how it should be interpreted. These approaches can vary based
on historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts, leading to the development of various types
of literary theory. Each type offers a unique lens through which literary works can be analyzed
and understood.
In this discussion, we will delve into the background of literary theory and explore some of the
major types or schools of thought that have emerged over time.

Background of Literary Theory:
The formal study of literary theory can be traced back to ancient times when scholars and
philosophers began to analyze the nature of storytelling, aesthetics, and language. However,
the modern development of literary theory gained significant momentum in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. This period saw the emergence of various movements and schools of
thought that sought to address questions about the nature of literature, its purpose, and how it
relates to broader cultural and societal contexts.
Types of Literary Theory:

Formalism: (New Criticism):
Formalism, also known as New Criticism, emerged in the early 20th century and focuses on
the close analysis of literary texts themselves, disregarding external factors such as authorial
intention or historical context. Formalists believe that the meaning of a text is derived from its
formal elements, such as structure, language, imagery, and symbolism. This approach,
championed by figures like T.S. Eliot and Cleanth Brooks, focused on close textual analysis,
examining the internal coherence of a work and its formal elements.

2. Tenets: Focuses solely on the intrinsic elements of a literary work, such as language, form,
structure, and symbols. Rejects the need to consider external influences like authorial intent or
historical context.
Proponents: Cleanth Brooks, John Crowe Ransom, T.S. Eliot.

Structuralism: Structuralism, influenced by linguistics, seeks to uncover the underlying
structures that shape literary works. It emphasizes the relationships between elements within a
text and how those elements contribute to the overall meaning. Structuralist analysis often
involves identifying binary oppositions and patterns.
Tenets: Emphasizes the underlying structures and patterns that shape literature, considering
how elements relate to one another within a text. Aims to uncover universal structures in
narrative and language.
Proponents: Ferdinand de Saussure, Roland Barthes, Claude Lévi-Strauss.

Marxist Criticism: Marxist literary theory explores how literature reflects and interacts with
the socioeconomic conditions of its time. It examines how class struggles, power dynamics,
and economic factors are represented in literature, emphasizing issues of inequality and social
injustice.
Tenets: Analyzes literature through the lens of class struggle, economics, and social power
dynamics. Examines how literature reflects and critiques societal inequalities.
Proponents: Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Raymond Williams.

Feminist Criticism: Feminist theory examines how literature reflects and perpetuates gender
roles and inequalities. It focuses on the representation of women, the portrayal of gender
dynamics, and the ways in which female authors have historically been marginalized or
excluded.
Tenets: Explores gender roles, representation of women, and issues of patriarchy and sexism
in literature. Advocates for the recognition of women's contributions to literature.
Proponents: Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler.

Psychoanalytic Criticism: This approach, influenced by Sigmund Freud's theories, delves into
the psychological motivations of characters and authors. Psychoanalytic critics analyze
symbols, metaphors, and character behavior to uncover hidden desires, conflicts, and
unconscious thoughts.
Tenets: Draws from Freudian psychology to analyze characters' motivations, desires, and
unconscious conflicts. Examines how symbols and metaphors reflect the human psyche.
Proponents: Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, Carl Jung.

3. Postcolonial Criticism: Postcolonial theory explores the impact of colonialism and
imperialism on literature and culture. It examines how literature from formerly colonized
regions responds to and critiques the effects of colonization, as well as how cultural identities
are constructed and contested.
Tenets: Examines the impact of colonialism and imperialism on literature and culture.
Analyzes how postcolonial texts respond to colonial legacies and construct new cultural
identities.
Proponents: Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

Reader-Response Criticism: This theory emphasizes the role of the reader in creating
meaning from a text. It suggests that interpretations of work are shaped by the reader's personal
experiences, beliefs, and cultural context.
Tenets: Focuses on the role of the reader in interpreting and creating meaning from a text.
Considers how readers' personal experiences and perspectives influence their understanding.
Proponents: Wolfgang Iser, Louise Rosenblatt, Stanley Fish.

Deconstruction: Deconstruction challenges the idea of fixed meanings in literature. Developed
by Jacques Derrida, this theory highlights the instability of language and the presence of
contradictions within texts. It aims to reveal underlying assumptions and complexities in
language and thought.
Tenets: Challenges the stability of language and fixed meanings. Reveals inherent
contradictions within texts and questions traditional binaries. Highlights the complexity of
interpretation.
Proponents: Jacques Derrida, Paul de Man, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

Contemporary Period:

Cultural Studies and New Historicism: These approaches focus on the relationship between
literature, culture, and history, often considering how texts both shape and are shaped by their
contexts.

Poststructuralism and Deconstruction: Figures like Jacques Derrida questioned the stability
of meaning and language, leading to deconstructionist analyses that explore contradictions
within texts.

4. Queer Theory: This theory examines how sexuality and gender identity influence literature
and culture, with scholars like Judith Butler contributing to its development.
These are just a few examples of the many types of literary theory that exist. Each type offers
a distinct lens through which to view and analyze literary works, contributing to a deeper
understanding of their complexity and significance. It's important to note that these approaches
are not mutually exclusive, and many scholars incorporate multiple theories to explore different
aspects of a text. Each having with its own set of tenets and influential proponents. The
diversity of these approaches enriches the study of literature by offering multiple angles from
which to engage with and analyze literary works. It's important to note that theorists often draw
from multiple theories to develop nuanced interpretations.

References:
Eagleton, Terry. "Marxist Literary Theory." A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature,
edited by Wilfred L. Guerin, et al., Oxford UP, 2019, pp. 117-135.
Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. 3rd ed., Appleton-Century-
Crofts, 1979.
Frye, Northrop. "Archetypal Criticism: Theory of Myths." Modern Criticism and Theory: A
Reader, edited by David Lodge and Nigel Wood, Routledge, 2008, pp. 67-76.
Loomba, Ania. "Shakespeare, Race, and Colonialism." The Tempest: A Case Study in Critical
Controversy, edited by Gerald Graff et al., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001, pp. 240-254.


Dr. Aareena Nazneen
Assistant professor
Integral University, Lucknow
[email protected]