When speaking about the term theory most would naturally think about science like mathematics or physics and they would be surprised when they are being told that we also need theory to approach literature. Theory in literature helps to analyze a text, no matter if it is a novel, a drama, a poem, or even a film, e. g., with an academic view, to dive deeper into its themes, aspects, and meanings and to put in a historical context. When having a look at a novel like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, for example, you could choose to apply the feminist theory that deals with the former roles of gender, the power of men and the role of women in society, how they were treated and how they were expected to be. This could be done by whether choosing certain scenes in the book or by looking at one special character that is important and central for the entire plot of the story. By gaining knowledge about theories in literature one is equipped with "transferable knowledge" (Nünning 10) that can be applied and worked within every piece of literature. Students can choose "methods that are most suited to their topic, to the texts they are discussing, and to their argument" (Nünning 35). Thus, there is no doubt about the usefulness of theories in literature because they are like a toolbox that helps students to support their points of view and their thesis statement in writing their coursework.
Cited works:
Nünning Vera, Nünning Ansgar, & Dewhurst, J. (2021). An introduction to the study of English and American literature. Klett Lerntraining.
YOU ARE READING
Academic Texts
Non-FictionHier werde ich so nach und akademische Texte in englischer und deutscher Sprache veröffentlichen, die ich in meinem Studium produziere. Wer Lust hat, sie zu lesen und einen Kommi hinterlassen mag oder Fragen hat, immer her damit.
