The question of “What is Literature?” has been raised so many times, by so many scholars and researchers, yet it still remains open to discussion; since no answer seems to encompass everything that we tend to call “literature”. In that regard, Terry Eagleton‟s introduction, is one of the most known to have tried to define “Literature”.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Defining Literature
- Fact vs. Fiction: A Flawed Distinction
- Formalism: Focus on Form over Content
- Criticisms of Formalism
- The Illusion of "Normal" Language
- Value Judgements and the Instability of Literature
- Ideology and the Power Dynamics of Literature
Objectives and Key Themes
This review of Terry Eagleton's work aims to explore his arguments surrounding the elusive definition of literature. Eagleton challenges traditional approaches to defining literature, ultimately arguing for a socially constructed and fluid understanding.
- The inadequacy of defining literature solely as "imaginative" writing.
- The limitations of formalism as a method for defining literature.
- The role of value judgments in shaping perceptions of literature.
- The influence of ideology and power structures on what is considered literature.
- The inherently unstable and socially constructed nature of "literature."
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Defining Literature: This introductory section sets the stage by highlighting the enduring challenge of defining "literature." It introduces Terry Eagleton's prominent attempt to grapple with this question, immediately pointing out the inherent difficulties in creating a universally accepted definition. The review foreshadows the exploration of various perspectives and the ultimate conclusion that a definitive definition remains elusive.
Fact vs. Fiction: A Flawed Distinction: This section critiques the common notion that literature is synonymous with "imaginative" writing. Eagleton's example of Superman comics, considered fiction but not literature, effectively demonstrates the limitations of this simple dichotomy. The section lays the groundwork for more nuanced explorations of what constitutes literature by debunking this overly simplistic definition.
Formalism: Focus on Form over Content: This chapter delves into the formalist approach to literature, which prioritizes the form and structure of language over its content. Eagleton presents this view as a focus on "literariness," examining the unique organization of language found in literary works. However, the chapter also critiques the formalist perspective, arguing that the concept of a "normal" or "ordinary" language, which this approach presupposes, is a flawed assumption, as this "ordinary language" doesn't exist in the way the formalists presume.
Value Judgements and the Instability of Literature: This section argues persuasively that value judgments significantly influence what is considered literature. Eagleton posits that there's no objective definition, as the perception of a text as "literary" depends on the values and criteria of particular societies and readers. The crucial insight that literary works are continuously “rewritten” by each generation of readers underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of literature's definition.
Ideology and the Power Dynamics of Literature: This chapter explores the profound influence of ideology and power structures on the canonization of literature. The argument is presented that social groups in power actively shape what is deemed worthy of being classified as literature, furthering their own agendas. This section highlights the inherent social and political dimensions embedded within the perception of literature and how such influences perpetuate social inequalities.
Keywords
Literature, definition of literature, formalism, value judgments, ideology, power, social construction, imaginative writing, fact vs. fiction, literary theory, Terry Eagleton.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Review of Terry Eagleton's Work on Defining Literature
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a text reviewing Terry Eagleton's work on defining literature. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The purpose is to offer a structured and professional analysis of the themes presented in the reviewed text.
What are the main themes explored in the reviewed text?
The main themes revolve around the difficulty of defining "literature." The review challenges traditional approaches, arguing that a definition is socially constructed and fluid. Key themes include the inadequacy of defining literature solely as "imaginative" writing, the limitations of formalism, the role of value judgments, the influence of ideology and power structures, and the inherently unstable and socially constructed nature of "literature."
What are the key arguments presented in the "Fact vs. Fiction" section?
This section critiques the idea that literature equals "imaginative" writing. It uses the example of Superman comics to show the limitations of this simple distinction, arguing that a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes literature is needed.
How does the review address formalism as a method for defining literature?
The review examines formalism's focus on form over content and its concept of "literariness." However, it criticizes formalism's assumption of a stable and easily identifiable "normal" or "ordinary" language, arguing that this assumption is flawed.
What role do value judgments play in defining literature, according to the review?
The review argues that value judgments significantly influence what's considered literature. It asserts there's no objective definition, as the perception of a text as "literary" depends on the values and criteria of specific societies and readers. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of literature's definition is highlighted.
How does the review discuss the influence of ideology and power structures on literature?
This section explores how ideology and power structures profoundly impact the canonization of literature. It argues that powerful social groups shape what's deemed "literary," furthering their agendas and perpetuating social inequalities.
What are the key chapters covered in the review?
The review covers an introduction defining the challenge of defining literature, a section on the flawed distinction between fact and fiction, a chapter on formalism, a section on value judgments and the instability of literature, and a final chapter on ideology and power dynamics in shaping literature.
What keywords best describe the themes of this review?
Keywords include: Literature, definition of literature, formalism, value judgments, ideology, power, social construction, imaginative writing, fact vs. fiction, literary theory, and Terry Eagleton.
Who is the main author whose work is being reviewed?
The main author whose work is being reviewed is Terry Eagleton.
- Quote paper
- Amine Zidouh (Author), 2012, Review of Terry Eagleton's "What is Literature?", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192313
