New Vision on the Problems of Literary Theory “Introduction to Literary Studies” – A New Edition

Abstract

The author's English summary from the article:

Key words: literary theory, Introduction to Literary Studies, Conceptions and Tendencies There is great news concerning the study of literary theory – a new edition of “Introduction to Literary Studies” has been released.

This is a simple truth that literary studies is the base of all the bases to study literature in the most scientific way; the appeal of the new edition of “Introduction to Literary Studies” is to establish an up-to-date level in the theory of literature as the good knowledge of the theory guarantees high-professionalism and expertise. First of all, it should be mentioned that “Introduction to Literary Studies” did not emerge ex abrupto. In fact, a big preparatory work had been carried out before: “Literary Theory. Major Methodological Conceptions and Tendencies of XX Century” (2008) and “Literary Theory. II. Chrestomathy” (2010). I consider all the three books as one whole thing as they do determine and fulfill one another.

It is clear that these theoretical editions in the field of literary studies radically changed the attitude to the studies of literature – this is a big progress and the credit for this goes to Professor Irma Ratiani. In general, XX century is the period of great renovations and revaluations in the theory of literature, which started in 20s and became stronger in 50s – there were created new theories, conceptions and schools both in Russia and Europe. Unfortunately, in our country it was not possible to study those new directions in literature for certain reasons and circumstances. I would like to admit with great pleasure that fourteen scientists have participated in creating “Introduction to Literary Studies” and each work reflects new ideas.

“Introduction to Literary Studies” encompasses major questions of literary theory, which are treated according to up-to-date standards, theories, conceptions and methodologies existing world-wide; besides this, the book has one big merit – this is illustrations of general categories in abundance with proper Georgian materials. There should also be admitted that “Introduction to Literary Studies” has good architectonic: eighteen articles containing key issues are allocated in a consistency: “Literary Studies and its Disciplines” (S. Tabutsadze), “Author and Text”; “Form and Content” (R. Chilaia), “Theme and Artistic Idea” (L. Bregadze), “Story and Plot” (I.

Ratiani), “Motif” (T. Lomidze), “Portrait” (T. Kikacheishvili), “Artistic Image” (G. Lomidze), “Narration” (I. Ratiani), “About Poetic Function of Language” (T. Bolqvadze), “Poetic Lexis” (N. Popiashvili), “Poetic Semantics. Tropes” (R. Tsanava), “Syntax of Poetic Text” (V. Kavtiashvili), “Phonics of Verse” (T. Doiashvili), “Composition” (G. Lomidze), “Style” (M. Nachkebia), “Systems of Versification” (T. Barbaqadze), “Literary Genres (I. Ratiani). “Introduction to Literary Studies” would interest a wide range of readers but as an up-to-date textbook, it will be of a special interest to the students of Humanities. At the end of the book, Professor Irma Ratiani, an editor of the book, tells the reader very exciting news - a new textbook, “Literary Theory” is to be published in the near future.

Let’s wish her all the best in doing successfully a very difficult and big job.

Published in the journal Sjani, vol. 14 (2013), pp. 278–293. Open the paper