Rationality Is . . . the Essence of Literary Theory

A culturally influential sub-discipline within literary studies, literary theory has developed in parallel form in other arts and social science disciplines, so that one might refer to cultural theory or social theory as well, or even just to theory. It's as familiar as the word postmodern and as tricky as deconstruction. What is it about? What is at stake? Theory is about rationality. This book's title invites two different interpretations of what it might mean to say so. For many, the essence of literary theory is the unmasking and redescription of rationality in other terms. Put ironically, rationality is male; rationality is white; rationality is repression.... The book's title, however, can also be read in a second way. On this reading, rationality itself is the essence of literary theory and central to literature, art, and society. Certain conceptions of what it entails can be problematic; the critique in the first way of reading the title remains relevant. Yet one can affirm rationality as integral to human flourishing, including the processes of producing, analyzing, and enjoying literature, art, and culture. This book provides readers with a clear overview of theory's development and the abiding presence of its concern with the status of rationality across its forms.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Cascade Books
Published: 05/27/2022
ISBN: 9781666730180
Pages: 172
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.40d