文学理論は止めるべきか

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Following the process of reasoning "against theory" by Steven Knapp and Walter Benn Michaels and showing that their reasoning against theory in favor of critical practice comes from Stanley Fish's emphasis on reading experiences, I discuss that their reaction against "alien" theory comes from their up-bringing in the field of literary criticism nourished by the act and process of experiential reading of literary works. They are against top-down theory from other high fields in favor of their own bottom up wisdom of critical and literary practices. Their arguments for Fishean experiential reading is, however, also a "literary" theory among the theories they are attacking. A theory is a perspective of vision and a limitation. We need theories to constantly overcome the limitations of theories. It could be dangerous and fatal to stop studying theories. The tremendous plurality of interpretations due to the flourishing of literary theory is not a deplorable phenomenon but a result of an enormous variety of objects, motives and interests of literary scholars, and these are the very fruits picked up in their various searches for theories. Their theoretical endeavours are currently nicely engaged in the unendingly innovated construction of modes of being, hitherto unnoticed, in literary works.
桃山学院大学の論文
1996-09-30