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This week’s readings focus is what literary theory is all about. Muhlestein (1998) defines it as, “Contemporary Literature theory is the study of the assumptions upon which literary criticism is based and the analysis of the linguistic, cultural, political and economic contexts within which literature and criticism are produced and consumed” (p 79). To make it easier to understand I would suggest it is getting to the bottom of what the author was really trying to say and why he or she felt it was important to say it. Once that is discovered you then must decide is there enough evidence to say the author was right. Which leads us to the reason for this discussion, why is that important? What are the benefits had and the challenges faced when studying literary theory?

My friend once said every movie has a philosophy behind it. I would argue that every original piece of creative work stems from the creator’s point of view or philosophy. For the Christian this would be our biblical filter. I would like to believe that I filter my writing through a Christian worldview. I ask myself is what I am writing going to honor God? Is it biblically accurate and lastly and possibly most important does it represent God accurately? One of the benefits of taking the time to study literary theory is you discover what the author is really trying to say. What are they trying to convince you of? No one wants to be deceived or manipulated. Understanding the purpose of the work keeps you from being taken advantage of, blindly following the suggestions of others. Bertens (2014) writes,

“Theory, then, is here to stay and the great majority of literary academics would not want it otherwise. They believe that theory has dramatically sharpened and widened our understanding of a great many fundamental issues and expect that theory, in its restless grappling with ever new issues, will continue to enhance our understanding (even if it may in the process also come up with things that severely test our intellectual patience)” p 3.

The second benefit of literary theory is knowing once you are done that the work is true or not. Tyson (2012) refers to this as being both “detective and lawyer” (p. 10). As you analysis a text you compare the work to what is known in the field or genre. Do the facts add up? Did the author come to logical conclusions or did they stray, carried away by their own preconceived ideas? Tyson states, “Naturally, critical theory has specific benefits for students of literature. For example, critical theory can increase your understanding of literary texts by helping you see more in them than you’ve seen before” (p 2).

The challenging side of literary theory, especially for the Christian is that all writing must hold up to the same rigorous search for truth. Therefore, whether you write from a Christian or any other worldview you must be able to prove your point.  Muhlestein (1998) sums it up best with, “We really do have to yoke faith to study—authentic, serious, rigorous study. And when we do not, our faith, as well as our learning, suffers” (p 87).  

 

 

 

Reference List

Bertens, H. (2014). Literary Theory: The Basics. London: Routledge, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9780203488836

Muhlestein, D. K. (1998). Teaching Contemporary Literary Theory at a Church-Sponsored University. Christianity & Literature, 48(1), 79–93. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/014833319804800109

Tyson, L. (2012). Using Critical Theory. London: Routledge, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9780203805091