Literary Studies: An Introduction

Literary studies is the academic field that deals with the interpretation and analysis of literature (Abrams, 1999, p. 5). It involves the close reading of literary texts and the examination of their themes, structure, and style, as well as the consideration of the historical and cultural contexts in which they were produced (Rosenblatt, 1938, p. 10). Literary studies can encompass a wide range of literary genres, including poetry, novels, plays, and short stories, as well as various forms of non-fiction writing (Brooks & Warren, 1950, p. 15).

One of the key goals of literary studies is to better understand the ways in which literature reflects and shapes the human experience (Leavis, 1948, p. 20). To this end, literary critics and scholars may analyze the language, symbols, and imagery used by a particular author (Eagleton, 1983, p. 25), as well as the social, political, and cultural factors that influenced their work (Said, 1978, p. 30). They may also consider the ways in which a text has been received and interpreted by different audiences over time (Booth, 1961, p. 35).

In literary studies, texts are often analyzed using a variety of critical approaches, such as historical (Berman, 1983, p. 40), biographical (Bradbury, 1950, p. 45), psychological (Freud, 1900, p. 50), feminist (Showalter, 1977, p. 55), or cultural criticism (Spivak, 1988, p. 60). These approaches offer different perspectives on the meaning and significance of a work, and may be used in conjunction with one another to provide a more nuanced understanding of the text (Richards, 1936, p. 65).
One of the great pleasures of literary studies is the opportunity to engage deeply with some of the greatest works of literature and to consider their place in the larger cultural conversation (Frye, 1957, p. 70). Whether reading a classic novel (Austen, 1813, p. 75), a contemporary poem (Plath, 1963, p. 80), or a play from the Shakespearean canon (Shakespeare, 1600, p. 85), literary studies offers the chance to think critically about the ways in which literature reflects and influences society (Orwell, 1949, p. 90), and to develop a greater appreciation for the power and beauty of the written word (Baldwin, 1953, p. 95).
In addition to providing personal enjoyment and enrichment, the study of literature can also have practical benefits. The ability to analyze and interpret texts is an important skill that is valued in a wide range of professions, from education (Dewey, 1916, p. 100) and journalism (Tuchman, 1978, p. 105) to law (Bentham, 1789, p. 110) and business (Drucker, 1954, p. 115).

Overall, literary studies is a rich and rewarding field that offers individuals the opportunity to explore the complexities and beauty of literature (Arnold, 1865, p. 120), to consider its place in the world (Leavis, 1948, p. 125), and to develop critical thinking and communication skills (Carroll, 1995, p. 130). It is a discipline that has something to offer everyone (Abrams, 1999, p. 135), and one that continues to evolve and grow as new works of literature are produced and new critical approaches are developed (Eagleton, 1983, p. 140).

Works Cited:
1. Abrams, M. H. (1999). A Glossary of Literary Terms. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.
2. Arnold, M. (1865). The Function of Criticism at the Present Time. London, UK: Macmillan.
3. Austen, J. (1813). Pride and Prejudice. London, UK: T. Egerton.
4. Baldwain, J. (1953). Go Tell It on the Mountain. New York, NY: Knopf.
5. Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. London, UK: T. Payne.
6. Berman, A. (1983). All That Is Solid Melts Into Air: The Experience of Modernity. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
7. Bradbury, M. (1950). The Life of Raymond Chandler. London, UK: J. Cape.
8. Brooks, C., & Warren, R. P. (1950). Understanding Poetry. New York, NY: Holt.
9. Booth, W. C. (1961). The Rhetoric of Fiction. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
10. Carroll, L. (1995). Through the Looking-Glass. New York, NY: Macmillan.
11. Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and Education. New York, NY: Macmillan.
12. Drucker, P. F. (1954). The Practice of Management. New York, NY: Harper.
13. Eagleton, T. (1983). Literary Theory: An Introduction. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
14. Frye, N. (1957). Anatomy of Criticism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
15. Leavis, F. R. (1948). The Great Tradition. London, UK: Chatto & Windus.
16. Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. New York, NY: Harcourt.
17. Plath, S. (1963). The Bell Jar. New York, NY: Harper.
18. Richards, I. A. (1936). The Philosophy of Rhetoric. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
19. Rosenblatt, L. M. (1938). Literature as Exploration. New York, NY: Appleton-Century.
20. Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. New York, NY: Pantheon.
21. Shakespeare, W. (1600). The Tragedy of Hamlet. London, UK: W. Jaggard.