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Can literary theory be applied to non-western literature and what are the challenges associated with this?

Aspen Rimmington

Yes, literary theory can certainly be applied to non-Western literature; however, there are definitely some challenges associated with this task.

One of the primary challenges in applying literary theory to non-Western literature is that many literary concepts and theories have been developed and refined within a Western context. This means that they may not always be applicable or even relevant to non-Western literary traditions. Moreover, certain aspects of non-Western literature – such as the use of oral storytelling, metaphor or other forms of language imagery – may not be accurately captured by or align with Western literary concepts and theories.

Additionally, the non-Western literary traditions often have different cultural or historical contexts, and this can make it challenging to translate or apply Western literary concepts or theories to them. For instance, different regions may have different ideas about what constitutes good or bad writing, funny or sad stories, or even what should be considered as literature. As well as this, there is often potential for cultural bias within the assessment or analysis of non-Western literature, particularly if the reader is applying a Western lens or trying to force Western concepts onto the diverse works from various cultures.

Finally, it is worth noting that even if we can apply Western literary theory to non-Western literature, we must be cautious not to homogenize or stereotype those literary traditions. There exist a diverse range of literary works across various cultures, and each has its own unique features and nuance. Therefore, it is critical to be respectful and mindful in our approach to analysis, and avoid making unfounded assumptions or generalisations.

To really overcome these challenges associated with applying literary theory to non-Western literature, it is imperative that scholars within the field make an effort to respect and engage with non-Western literary traditions on their own terms. This will require us to learn from, listen to, and collaborate with non-Western scholars and critics to gain a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of their literary traditions. It is only by doing so that we may truly comprehend the significance and value of these works, as well as develop a more inclusive and diverse body of literary theory that recognizes the unique features of both Western and non-Western literary traditions.