ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

LITERATURE QUESTIONS

LITERARY THEORY AND CRITICISM

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
In his essay “The Business of Theory, ” William Deresiewicz argues which of the following about Terry Eagleton’s book After Theory?
A
It offers a strong outline for how theory can be conducted in the 21st century.
B
It should not be read or considered by any student or scholar.
C
It offers some valid ideas and critiques, but its author is not entirely trustworthy.
D
It offers a strong counterpoint to Jacques Derrida’s notion of deconstruction.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -discussion and adds that any piece of writing can be read non-pragmatically, as any text can be read poetically. Therefore, literature cannot be judged as being simply a discourse that must be read “non-pragmatically”. This leads Eagleton to claim that there is absolutely no objective definition of „literature.

Detailed explanation-2: -According to Eagleton, literature transforms language into an extraordinary expression of everyday speech into unique resonance, rhythm, and texture. Literature involves many kinds of good writings where no one can decide what literature in writing is and what is not.

Detailed explanation-3: -Eagleton emphasizes that literature be considered one amongst cultural phenomenon. His advice to his readers is that the study of literature should focus on social issues. He further says that the goal of literature is to produce better people while taking into consideration the social transformation.

Detailed explanation-4: -It Examines the relation between the ideas and values expressed in a work of literature and the ideas and values prevalent in contemporary society . It attempts to study the relation of literature with class struggles and conflicts between social groups for economic and political power.

There is 1 question to complete.