Theory is said to have changed the nature of literary studies. Although literary theory, meaning the systematic account of the nature of literature and of the methods for analyzing it, specifically is also important, it is not what they mean. A theory in general is often used to replace the word “guess” and to show speculation. The example in the chapter was the response to the question, “why did Laura and Michael split up?” with the answer, “my theory is because Michael was having an affair with Samantha”. In reality, theory is an explanation that might not be affected by someone’s answer, and also holds a certain level of complexity that makes it hard to be proved true or false. An example for this was “my theory is that Laura was always secretly in love with her father and the Michael could never succeed in becoming the right person”.
Theory can also be considered as a genre. Anything that is considered miscellaneous writing can sometimes also be considered theory. Works that are considered to be theory often have effects on fields other then what were intended. They offer new input and insight on many different subjects, such as culture, nature, and meaning.
One of the main effects of theory is disputing what most people consider to be common sense. The offer multiple explanations for everyday occurrences that are hard to either prove or dispute. For example, theory questions the most basic premises or assumptions of literary study.
Other examples that are elaborated on in Chapter one are, number one, Michel Foucault’s suggestion that sex is a complex idea produced by a range of social practices, investigations, talk and writing, and number two, Jacques Derrida’s idea that maybe writing is just a unnecessary supplement, meaning an addition or extension, to speech. Both are examples of ideas that are not easily proven or disputed.
Theory can be confusing and intimidating due to it’s many definitions. The main points one needs to know about theory are that it is interdisciplinary, analytical and speculative, reflexive, and a critique of common sense.
Hello Group 1,
ReplyDeleteThank you for an excellent presentation on very difficult material. I also want to commend you on a very good written summary that covers many of the important features of theory covered by Culler.
My one suggestion now is this: be sure to cite the page number in parenthesis whenever you quote. In doing so, you allow readers the opportunity to find your quotes efficiently, which is always appreciated.
Best,
James