7 Different Literary Theories One Must Know

Theory in literature refers to the various critical approaches and frameworks that are used to analyze and interpret literary works. These approaches can include formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, psychoanalytic theory, feminist theory, and many others.

Each approach offers a unique perspective on literature and can help readers understand and appreciate works of literature in new and different ways.

The Important Function of Theory in Literature

One of the most important functions of theory in literature is to provide readers with a framework for understanding and interpreting literary works.

This can include analyzing the structure and form of a work, exploring the themes and motifs present in the work, and examining the historical and cultural context in which the work was created.

By using different theoretical approaches, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of literary works.

The second important function of theory in literature is to promote critical thinking and intellectual engagement. Literary theory challenges us to question our assumptions and to think deeply about how we interact with the world around us.

By engaging with different theories and approaches, we can develop our own critical skills and become more sophisticated readers and thinkers.

Literary theory also encourages us to engage with works of literature in new and exciting ways and to appreciate the diversity and richness of literary traditions from around the world.

Different Literary Theories

Formalism is one of the earliest and most influential theories in literature. It emphasizes the form of a literary work over its content, focusing on the structure, language, and style of the work.

Formalists argue that the form of a work is integral to its meaning and that the meaning of a work can only be understood by analyzing its formal elements.

Structuralism is another important theory in literature that emphasizes the underlying structures and systems that shape literary works.

Structuralists argue that literary works are not simply a collection of individual elements, but are instead shaped by larger cultural and historical forces. Set aside some time each day to sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing.

Post-structuralism is a more recent development in literary theory that emphasizes the instability and indeterminacy of language. Poststructuralists argue that language is not a stable or fixed system, but is instead constantly evolving and changing.

By analyzing how language is used in literary works, poststructuralists can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often contradictory meanings that are present in these works.

Contextualist approaches to literature, on the other hand, focus on the historical and cultural context in which a work of literature was produced. Contextualist critics analyze the social, political, and economic factors that influenced the creation and reception of a work of literature.

Contextualist approaches are often associated with the rise of cultural studies in the 1970s and 80s, which emphasized the importance of understanding literature in its broader social and historical context.

Psychoanalytic theory is another important approach to literature that focuses on the psychological and emotional aspects of literary works. Psychoanalytic critics argue that literary works can reveal the unconscious desires and fears of their authors, as well as the desires and fears of their readers.

By analyzing the psychological and emotional aspects of a work, psychoanalytic critics can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

Another influential theory in literature is postmodernism, which emerged in the late 20th century. Postmodernism is characterized by a rejection of traditional notions of authorship, narrative, and truth.

Postmodernist critics argue that there is no objective reality or fixed meaning in a work of literature, but rather that meaning is constructed through the interaction between the reader and the text.

Postmodernist approaches are often associated with deconstruction, a critical approach that seeks to expose the underlying assumptions and contradictions in a work of literature.

Feminist theory is another important approach to literature, which emerged in the 1960s and 70s. Feminist critics argue that literature has traditionally been dominated by male voices and perspectives and that women's experiences and perspectives have been marginalized or ignored.

Feminist critics seek to uncover how gender shapes the meaning and reception of a work of literature and to promote a more inclusive and diverse literary canon.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, theory in literature is an essential aspect of literary studies that helps us to understand and appreciate works of literature. Formalist and Contextualist approaches provide different but complementary ways of analyzing and interpreting literature.

Structuralism, postmodernism, and feminist theory are just a few examples of the many critical approaches that have emerged over the years. By engaging with these theories and approaches, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex ways in which literature reflects and shapes our world.

Written by - Iman Fede