Literary Theory
What Is Literary Theory?
Literary theory is a set of ideas that help us understand how stories work. It looks at things like characters, plot, language, and the world the story creates. By using theory, readers can see deeper meanings and ask new questions about a text.
Main Approaches
| Approach | What It Focuses On | Example Question |
|---|---|---|
| Formalism | The structure, style, and symbols inside the text. | How does the author use recurring images? |
| Marxism | Social class, power, and economics. | Who benefits from the story’s events? |
| Feminism | Gender roles and representation. | How are female characters portrayed? |
| Reader‑response | The reader’s personal reaction and experience. | What does this story make me feel? |
Why It Matters
Understanding literary theory makes reading more exciting. It encourages critical thinking, helps you write better essays, and lets you connect stories to real‑world ideas. When you know different ways to look at a text, you can discuss it confidently with classmates and teachers.