Layered Approaches: Strengthening Literary Criticism Through Theoretical Diversity

Abstract

The upsurge of various literary theories in the past has profoundly reshaped the domain of literary criticism and interpretation. These theoretical frameworks, ranging from Structuralism, Post-structuralism, and Marxism to feminism, Post-colonialism, and Ecocriticism, have introduced an array of perspectives for analysing literary works, offering diverse, new insights and challenging traditional notions of meaning. There have been constant debates persisting on the multiplicity of these theories diminishes literary creation and undermines the intrinsic essence of literariness. This paper explores the implications of the theoretical plurality for creative expression, the dynamics of the reading experience, and understanding of literature as an art form. By inspecting the nuanced connection between literary theory and creative production, this study exposes that far from constraining artistic innovation, the coexistence of multiple theories enriches literary studies. These theories invite deeper levels of engagement, enabling readers and writers alike to discover novel dimensions of interpretation, fostering a more layered and expansive understanding of texts. Ultimately, this research argues that the diversity of literary theories serves as a catalyst for creative exploration, reinvigorating the art of storytelling and reinforcing the enduring relevance of literature in contemporary discourse.