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Lecture Notes Eagleton

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Lecture Notes Eagleton

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Lecture Notes: Terry Eagleton's "Introduction: What is

Literature?"
Overview

Terry Eagleton's Introduction: What is Literature? explores the elusive definition of literature, its
historical context, and the challenges in distinguishing literature from other forms of writing.
Eagleton questions the traditional approaches to defining literature, arguing that such definitions
often rely on subjective and culturally contingent criteria.

Key Points

1. Elusiveness of Defining Literature

 Literature is a problematic concept because it cannot be defined by a single characteristic.


 Attempts to define literature based on form, content, or value are often inadequate.

2. Formal Definitions

 Form and Style: Some definitions focus on form (e.g., poetry, prose) or stylistic features
(e.g., use of metaphor, narrative techniques).
o Problems: Many non-literary texts use these forms and styles (e.g., philosophical
writings, scientific essays).
 Literariness: Roman Jakobson’s idea that literariness is the use of language in a self-
conscious way.
o Problems: What counts as self-conscious use of language can be subjective.

3. Content-Based Definitions

 Themes and Subject Matter: Literature is sometimes defined by certain themes (e.g.,
human experience, moral dilemmas).
o Problems: This approach excludes many texts that are considered literature and
includes many that are not.

4. Value-Based Definitions

 Aesthetic Value: Some argue literature is defined by its aesthetic quality or the
emotional response it evokes.
o Problems: Aesthetic value is subjective and varies across cultures and historical
periods.
 Cultural Value: Literature is what a society or a specific institution regards as valuable
or worthy of study.
o Problems: Cultural values change over time, making this definition unstable.

5. Historical and Cultural Context


 Relative and Changing Nature: The definition of literature changes across different
historical and cultural contexts.
 Canon Formation: The literary canon reflects the values of a particular time and place,
which influences what is considered literature.

6. Practical Definitions

 Institutional Role: Literature can be seen as what is taught in educational institutions or


published by recognized publishers.
o Problems: This approach depends heavily on institutional authority and power
dynamics.

7. Challenges to Traditional Definitions

 Postmodern and Deconstructionist Perspectives: Question the very foundation of


defining literature, emphasizing fluidity and the instability of meaning.
 Ideological Function: Literature can serve ideological purposes, reinforcing or
challenging societal norms.

Examples and Applications

Examples

 Shakespeare vs. Popular Fiction: Shakespeare's works are often seen as literature, while
popular fiction may not be, despite using similar literary techniques.
 Sacred Texts: Religious texts like the Bible or the Quran have literary qualities but are
often categorized differently.

Applications

 Curriculum Design: Understanding the fluid definition of literature can inform what
texts are included in academic syllabi.
 Literary Criticism: Critics must navigate subjective criteria when analyzing and
interpreting texts.

Conclusion

Eagleton’s introduction highlights the complexity and subjectivity involved in defining literature.
Rather than offering a clear-cut definition, he demonstrates that literature is a construct
influenced by various factors including form, content, value, and cultural context. This approach
encourages readers and scholars to critically engage with the idea of literature and its role in
society.

Discussion Questions

1. How do Eagleton’s arguments challenge traditional views of literature?


2. Can you think of a text that blurs the line between literature and non-literature? Why?
3. How do cultural and historical contexts influence what is considered literature?
4. What role do educational institutions play in shaping the definition of literature?

Further Reading

 Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. University of Minnesota Press, 1983.


 Jakobson, Roman. Linguistics and Poetics. Harvard University Press, 1960.

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