文学理论的功能与指向

The Function and Direction of Literary Theory

文学理论的功能应体现在两个方面:一是“有用”,即有助于促进文学创作、文学批评及读者欣赏水平的提高;二是“有益”,能够满足人们的求知需求,拓展人们的思维空间、想象空间,以及整个精神活动空间;有助于提升人的胸襟、视野、创造力与整体素质,丰富我们的文化人格。文学理论,毕竟是关于“文学”的理论,其研究当然应指向文学,如文学创作、文学观念、文学思潮,尤其是文学文本。文学理论研究,只有指向文学,顾及相关功能,才能避免脱离实际,既“无用”也“无益”的“空转”之弊。

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.”