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
1. Introduction: The difficulty of defining literature
2. The failure of "imaginative writing" as a definition
3. Formalism and the "peculiar" use of language
4. Value-judgements and the instability of literature
5. Ideology, power relations, and the social reproduction of literature
Objectives and Themes
This review explores Terry Eagleton’s critical analysis of the term "literature," examining why traditional attempts to objectively define it as either imaginative writing or a specific formal use of language are inherently flawed and socially constructed.
- The critique of defining literature as "fiction" or "imaginative writing."
- An examination of Formalist theory and the limitations of linguistic analysis.
- The role of subjective value-judgements in the classification of literary works.
- The intersection of ideology, social power, and the definition of literature.
Excerpt from the Book
Review of “What is Literature? by Terry Eagleton.”
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”.
The first definition that comes to mind when one tends to think about literature according to Eagleton‟s, is the question of fact vs. fiction. Some tend to believe that literature is “imaginative” writing; putting therefore literature in opposition to factual and/or historical writing. Yet this distinction has some flaws, and one of the best examples is the one provided by Terry Eagleton when he says that “Superman comics” are fiction but not regarded as literature. We can therefore understand that the claim that literature refers to “imaginative writing” isn‟t going to take us that far.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The difficulty of defining literature: Outlines the persistent ambiguity surrounding the definition of literature and introduces Eagleton’s critical perspective.
2. The failure of "imaginative writing" as a definition: Argues that the distinction between fact and fiction is insufficient, as many fictional works are not considered literature.
3. Formalism and the "peculiar" use of language: Discusses the Formalist view of literature as a deviation from ordinary language and details Eagleton’s critique of this linguistic approach.
4. Value-judgements and the instability of literature: Explains that literature is an "unstable affair" because it relies on subjective value-judgements that evolve over time.
5. Ideology, power relations, and the social reproduction of literature: Examines how social groups in power use definitions of literature to reinforce social inequalities and maintain control.
Keywords
Literature, Terry Eagleton, Formalism, Fiction, Imaginative Writing, Value-judgements, Ideology, Social Power, Literary Theory, Linguistics, Discourse, Non-pragmatic reading, Unstable affair, Social inequality, Language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this review?
The text reviews Terry Eagleton’s critical analysis regarding the definition of literature, exploring why an objective definition of the term remains elusive.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the critique of aesthetic and formalist definitions of literature, the impact of value-judgments, and the influence of ideology on literary classification.
What is the core argument or research question posed?
The core question is whether literature can be defined objectively, with the conclusion being that literature is a fluid, socially constructed "unstable affair."
Which scientific or theoretical approach does Eagleton critique?
Eagleton specifically critiques the Formalist approach, which views literature as a specific organization of language or "special" use of speech distinct from ordinary language.
What does the text cover in its main body?
The text examines historical attempts to define literature through fiction, linguistics, and formal structure, ultimately shifting the focus toward social power and ideology.
Which keywords best characterize this analysis?
Key terms include Literature, Formalism, Value-judgements, Ideology, and Social Power.
How does Eagleton define the relationship between literature and "ordinary" language?
Eagleton argues that defining literature as a "special" language is flawed because the concept of a "normal" or "ordinary" language shared by all of society is an illusion.
Why does the author describe literature as an "unstable affair"?
Literature is considered "unstable" because it is constantly being "rewritten" by the societies that consume it, meaning its meaning and status change based on specific cultural values.
How do social groups in power influence the status of a text?
The author suggests that powerful social groups influence what is labeled as "literature" to reinforce their own ideologies and maintain existing power relations.
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- Amine Zidouh (Autor:in), 2012, Review of Terry Eagleton's "What is Literature?", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192313
