To many analysts, literature can be any form of text that employs a specific language in delivering its message to its audience. To date, the term text may designate any reading material that may be considered as fiction or non-fiction, as well as a piece of writing that could be read by an individual. The literary theory pertains to the methodical analysis of different types of writing (Carroll, 2007).
In the 18th century, the literary theory was designed to include the examination of historical description of every piece of narration as well as the moral concepts that are imparted by a piece of literature. In addition, the impact of the literary piece on society at large is also examined by the concept of literary theory. The field of humanities generally considers literary theory as an educated methodology that pertains to any text that is read by a reader. The main question that the literary theory aims to examine is the definition of the term literature (Castle, 2007).
The literary theory relates to the study of literature for children and young adults because there a large number of reading materials are also at the reach of this part of society. At a young age, children learn how to read and they start off reading short stories and poems during their primary grade levels (Culler, 2007). These short stories are considered literature hence the application of the literary theory is imperative in determining the impact of literature on young readers.
The goal of literature for children and young adults is to impart knowledge and information into their developing brains, to get them ready for their adult lives. It is thus important that the literature provided to children and young children should be equipped with good morals and principles that will guide them in their future years (Norton, 2007). Any reading material that will misguide and confuse children and young adult readers will be harmful because the intellectual goal of the literary theory is to provide helpful information to its readers.
Several styles are often employed in the literature. The allusion is an artistic literary method wherein an object or event is described indirectly. Such means of describing things allows the reader or listener to uncover the relationship. This method also pertains to indirect descriptions of reference items in film and any other visual form of communication. Connotation is the employment of prejudiced artistic or emotional tinge in the meaning of any particular word during communication. Connotation is generated by using particular words that may mean some other meaning or even carry a hidden meaning. Hence, connotation initiates the implication or association of a word with another sense.
Denotation pertains to the actual message or meaning of a certain word or phrase in literary theory. It provides the opposite effect of connotation, which relies on the symbolism of the word. Denotation thus provides the direct dictionary meaning of the word hence the literary message is very easily deciphered. Figurative language is a conventional type of system that is employed in the analysis of languages. When figurative language is utilized in literature, it is then referred to as a figure of speech. Such figures of speech may also be referred to as rhetoric, which is a word or a phrase that sets out from simple language.
A simile is a figure of speech that describes or identifies any resemblance between two different things through the employment of the words “like”, “as”, “than”, or “resembles.” Similes have long been employed in literature for hundreds of years. Some similes do not employ the words “like” or “as” but are still considered as similes. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes the similarity between two different things in the direct approach. This figure of speech considers each item as equivalent to the other item hence there is no need to use the words “like” or “as” in comparing two things. Metaphors are commonly employed in literature for the goal of associating at least two things that are originating from different contexts.
Personification is a figure of speech that facilitates the process of describing things. The process involves literary expressions of sensations, emotions, and expressions, and is commonly employed in poetry. Other writers employ personification to highlight portions of a conversation. Personification is generally used in describing non-living things, mostly using direct and precise approaches.
The irony is a literary device that is generally depicted by a breach between the writer and the general concept that is being described (Hutcheon, 1994). Such discordance between concepts provides a means for the reader to realize the ideal setting that the writer wants to convey to the audience. The use of irony can be typically observed in speeches and acts. Such a gap between concepts provides a substrate for a better appreciation of a concept.
References
Carroll J (2007): Evolutionary approaches to literature and drama. In: Dunbar R and Barrett D (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology. New York: MacMillan Publishers.
Castle G (2007): Blackwell Guide to Literary Theory. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing.
Culler J (2007): The literary in theory. San Francisco, California: Stanford University Press.
Hutcheon L (1994): Irony’s Edge: The Theory and Politics of Irony. London: Routledge.
Norton DE (2007): Through the eyes of a Child, (7th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.