The Function and Direction of Literary Theory

Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2022 

The Function and Direction of Literary Theory

(Abstract)

Yang Shousen

The function of literary theory should be reflected in two aspects: first, it is useful, that helps to promote literary creation, literary criticism and improve readers’ appreciation; second, it is beneficial, that can satisfy people’s need for knowledge, expand their ways of thinking, imagination, and mental activities, and also helps to enhance people’s mind, vision, creativity and overall quality, and enriches our cultural personality.  The study of literary theory, only by pointing to the literature and taking into account the relevant functions can we avoid detachment from reality, namely, the disadvantages of “idling” which is both “useless” and “unhelpful.”