Same Start, Different End

"We can begin, then, by raising the question: what is literature?" (Eagleton 1).

I think every literature class I have taken so far has begun with the same question: what is literature? I have heard a variety of definitions to what literature is, although I don't believe I've met anyone who had a Formalist view and ignored the content of what they were reading. However, I was slightly surprised how this chapter broke down the multiple attempted defintions of literature and decided in the end that there isn't a complete/textbook answer for the definition.

One section that really stood out for me was the author's discussion on the influence and importance of value-judgement by readers. I related to I. A. Richards's study and could easily see myself as a student who would unknowingly (and realistically knowingly) criticize and dismiss a highly honored work. My favorite point that Eagleton made in that paragraph was that Richards's students' "reponses were deeply entwined with their broader prejudices and beliefs" (15). This statement helped me to understand not only why certain critics react to different works, but also how I develop my own opinions about what I am reading. This section was important for me because it will help me to understand the possible source/reason for criticism of a work later in this course (by a critic I am reading about of from myself/peers).

Go back to the original page, or check out Ellen's or Gretta's blog. I found it interesting that both pointed out how the lack of a definition for literature gives and allows reading to keep its value.