Terry Eagleton’s exploration of the definition of literature in his introduction to “What is Literature?” presents a multifaceted inquiry into the nature of literary discourse. Eagleton begins by questioning the very existence of literary theory, suggesting that if such a theory exists, then there must also be something identifiable as literature which it seeks to understand. From this starting point, he delves into various attempts to define literature, dissecting common conceptions and proposing alternative perspectives.

One prevalent notion Eagleton critiques is the simplistic classification of literature as imaginative fiction. While fiction certainly falls within the realm of literature, Eagleton argues that this definition fails to encompass the breadth of texts typically considered literary. He illustrates this point by highlighting the inclusion of diverse genres and forms in literary canons, ranging from Shakespearean plays to philosophical treatises and historical accounts.

Eagleton then challenges the distinction between fact and fiction, suggesting that it is often blurred and context-dependent. He discusses how literary language deviates from ordinary speech, employing techniques that intensify and transform language, thereby drawing attention to its materiality. This perspective aligns with the Russian formalists’ view of literature as an “organized violence committed on ordinary speech,” where literary texts systematically depart from everyday language norms.

The essay further examines formalist principles, emphasizing the significance of literary devices and the estrangement effect in literary language. Eagleton elucidates how the Formalists analyzed literary form independently of content, viewing literature as a self-contained system governed by specific laws and structures. This approach challenged traditional interpretations of literature as a reflection of reality or the author’s mind, instead focusing on the linguistic aspects of the text itself.

However, Eagleton acknowledges the limitations of formalist theories, particularly their failure to account for the variability of norms and deviations across different social and historical contexts. He underscores the subjective nature of literary valuation, highlighting how literary status can change over time and vary among individuals and communities. Eagleton ultimately rejects the idea of a stable, objective definition of literature, proposing that it is better understood as a socially constructed category shaped by shifting cultural and aesthetic standards.

Terry Eagleton’s essay explores the dynamic relationship between literature, interpretation, and societal values. He argues that literary works are continually reinterpreted by different historical periods and societies, leading to the construction of distinct versions of canonical texts tailored to their own concerns and ideologies. Terry Eagleton challenges the notion of purely objective interpretation, suggesting that all readings are inherently influenced by subjective values and societal contexts.

He emphasizes the intertwined nature of factual statements and value judgments, asserting that even seemingly objective statements are laden with underlying value-categories. Terry Eagleton critiques the idea of “value-free” knowledge, highlighting the inherent connection between interests, beliefs, and knowledge acquisition.

Furthermore, he delves into the concept of ideology, defining it as the ways in which beliefs and expressions connect with societal power structures. Terry Eagleton illustrates this through an analysis of literary criticism, demonstrating how unconscious biases and social backgrounds shape interpretations of literary works.

Overall, Terry Eagleton’s essay challenges traditional notions of literary interpretation and underscores the profound influence of societal values on our understanding of literature. By critically engaging with various theoretical perspectives and historical contexts, he challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about what constitutes literature and to recognize the fluidity of literary categorization.

Categories: Kannur University

Tags: Analysis of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Appreciation of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Criticism of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Discussion of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Essays of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Guide of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Plot of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Summary of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, Terry Eagleton, Terry Eagleton's definition of literature, Themes of Terry Eagleton's What is Literature, What is Literature according to Terry Eagleton