Dr Jarmila Mildorf Introduction to Literary Studies

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Dr Jarmila MildorfIntroduction to Literary
Studies
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What is literature?

• Broad definition
• Narrow definition
• Historical context
• Problem of normative term
• Descriptive vs. prescriptive approach

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Criteria for literariness

• Referentiality
• Fictionality
• Textual cues
• Contextual signals
• Ambiguity
• Special language
• Poetic function (Roman Jakobson)
• Lack of pragmatic function

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Aristotles areas of knowledge

• Theory aim is to achieve knowledge, no practical
  purpose, beyond human beings (e.g. physics,
  metaphysics)
• Practice related to human actions, no creation
  of products (ethics, politics)
• Poetry/literature (poiesis)

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• Poiesis
• Creation of other models of reality
• Imagination
• Use of specific artistic means
• Creation of artistic objects

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Functions of Literature

• Mimesis (Aristotle)
• Imitation of the world as it is (or could be)
• Mirrored by means of imagination
• Link of the particular and the universal
• Delectare et prodesse (Horace)
• Pleasure and profit (aesthetics and didactics)

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What is English literature?
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Areas of study

• Literary criticism analysis, evaluation
• Literary history literary periods, development
  of genres and styles, socio-historical contexts
• Literary theory what is literature? What effects
  does it have? What are its functions?

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