What is literary theory in the West?

Nature of Literary Theory:

The disciplines that study literature are usually referred to as the science of literature or literature. It includes three branches, namely, literary theory, literary criticism and literary history. Literature and art science includes literature and art science in the broad sense and literature and art science in the narrow sense, the above is the broad sense of literature and art science, the narrow sense of literature and art science mainly refers to literary theory. Literary theory is one of the three major branches of literature (literary history, literary criticism, literary theory).

Taking literary activity as the object of study, it systematically expounds the aesthetic characteristics of literary activity and the historical law of literary development; in turn, it has the dual significance of cognition and practice of literary activity, and provides a systematic value system and methodological system for the study of literary criticism and literary history. It is closely related to other sub-disciplines.

The basic principles of literature, conceptual categories and related scientific methods are the objects of study. The four elements of literary activity (the world, the writer, the work, and the reader) define the tasks of four aspects of literary theory: conceptualization, creation, textualization, and reception.

Western Literature:

The earliest known work of Western literature is the Epic of Gilgamesh, written by the Sumerians in 2700 BC, which describes heroism, friendship, loss, and the pursuit of immortality. Literature in the West has been characterized by different periods in its history. Early works often had a religious or didactic purpose.

The canonical literature of didacticism was born. The unusual qualities of Romanticism essay blossomed in the Middle Ages. At the same time, the Age of Reason produced nationalistic epics and short philosophical essays.

Because Romantic literature emphasized popularity and emotional involvement, it was slowly replaced by realism and naturalism, which sought truth. By the 20th century, Symbolism reared its head, seeking to explore characterization and development. Notably, Christian literature stands alone as one of the brightest landscapes in the world.