Understanding literary theories is important as it helps in analysing texts from different perspectives, said Dr. Veena M.K., president of the Forum of College Teachers (FOCET) and principal of Sahyadri Commerce College.
Speaking at the inauguration of one-day workshop on Understanding Literary Theory in Text organised at Sahyadri Arts College in Shivamogga on Thursday, July 27, Ms. Veena said that over the years, literary theories had changed the way readers treated texts. The characters of Shakespearean tragedies have gained new dimensions because of literary theories. Similarly, Mahashwethadevi’s Rudali, which tells the tale of a professional mourner, could be understood very well in the light of literary theories. Hence, knowledge of literary theories is essential for students, she opined.
Dr. T. Avinash, secretary of FOCET, said the workshop was necessary to clear misconceptions prevailing about literary theories. “There is a myth that these are only theories with no applicability. Similarly, some argue that the essence of literature is lost with the application of theories. We need to understand the theories well to prove these notions are wrong,” he said.
