Humanism: A Literary Theory

Humanism: Introduction

Humanism Literary Theory, rooted in the Renaissance, emphasizes the value of human experience, reason, and individualism in the interpretation and creation of literature.

It prioritizes the exploration of human nature, emotions, and intellect within literary works, placing human concerns at the forefront. Humanism advocates for a deep engagement with classical texts and languages, aiming to draw inspiration from the wisdom of the past.

This approach encourages a profound understanding of human thought and culture, fostering a human-centered perspective in the study and appreciation of literature.

Humanism: Types

Type	Features	Examples in Literature
Renaissance Humanism	Celebrates the revival of classical texts, focusing on human potential, individualism, and the human experience in literature.	Works like Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Petrarch’s sonnets, and Dante’s “Divine Comedy.”
Secular Humanism	Promotes a non-religious worldview, emphasizing reason, ethics, and human values, rejecting supernatural or religious explanations.	Novels such as Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” and Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children.”
Educational Humanism	Focuses on using literature and education to foster intellectual and moral development, shaping character and values.	Philosophical works like Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Emile” and John Locke’s “Some Thoughts Concerning Education.”
Existential Humanism	Explores themes of individual existence, freedom, and the human condition, often emphasizing the absurdity and responsibility of human life.	Notable works include Jean-Paul Sartre’s “No Exit” and Albert Camus’ “The Stranger.”
Psychological Humanism	Delves into the portrayal of human psychology and the inner workings of the human mind within literature, exploring characters’ emotions and motivations.	Examples encompass Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” and Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.”
Cultural Humanism	Examines literature as a reflection of culture, exploring how it shapes and is shaped by societal values, norms, and beliefs.	Works like Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.”
Humanistic Feminism	Combines humanism with feminist perspectives, emphasizing gender equality and the examination of how literature reflects and challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes.	Notable texts include Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own” and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Humanism: Principals

1. Human Dignity: Humanism places a high value on the inherent dignity of every individual, recognizing their worth and treating each person with respect and compassion.
2. Reason and Rationality: It promotes the use of reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making as essential tools for understanding the world and solving problems.
3. Ethical Responsibility: Humanism emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and taking responsibility for one’s actions, both in personal life and as a member of society.
4. Human Potential: It believes in the boundless potential of human beings to learn, create, and achieve, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, self-improvement, and personal growth.
5. Individual Autonomy: Humanism values individual autonomy and personal freedom, supporting the right of individuals to make choices based on their own judgment and values.
6. Secularism: Humanism is often associated with secularism, advocating for a separation of religious institutions and state governance to ensure religious freedom and equal treatment for all.
7. Empathy and Compassion: It encourages empathy and compassion as guiding principles in human interactions, promoting understanding and support for one another.
8. Social Justice: Humanism is committed to the pursuit of social justice, advocating for equality and fairness in society, and working towards the betterment of all individuals.
9. Environmental Stewardship: It emphasizes a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of the planet and encourages ethical behavior and environmental stewardship.
10. Human Rights: Humanism aligns with the protection of human rights, advocating for the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Humanism: Steps for Critiquing a Literary Work

Step	Explanation	Example
Analyze the Human Element	Begin by examining how the work portrays human experiences, emotions, and relationships. Consider the characters, their motivations, and the emotional depth of the narrative.	In Pride and Prejudice, analyze the complexities of Elizabeth Bennet’s emotions and relationships in 19th-century society.
Evaluate Ethical Themes	Assess the ethical themes presented in the work. Examine the moral dilemmas, values, and ethical choices made by characters, and how they relate to human values and principles.	In To Kill a Mockingbird, examine the moral dilemma of racial injustice and the ethical choices made by Atticus Finch.
Explore Historical and Cultural Context	Investigate the historical and cultural context of the work to understand how it reflects or challenges societal norms, beliefs, and values of the time in which it was written.	In Things Fall Apart, analyze how Chinua Achebe reflects the clash of cultures in colonial Nigeria.
Examine Author’s Perspective	Consider the author’s perspective and worldview. Analyze how the author’s beliefs, biases, and personal experiences influence the narrative and characters.	In Jane Eyre, explore how Charlotte Brontë’s own experiences shaped the character of Jane and her struggle for autonomy.
Assess the Use of Reason and Rationality	Evaluate the extent to which the work employs reason and rational thinking. Consider how characters solve problems, make decisions, and the role of critical thinking in the plot.	In Crime and Punishment, examine how Raskolnikov’s internal conflict reflects his rational but morally complex decisions.
Reflect on Individualism and Autonomy	Analyze how the work portrays individualism and personal autonomy. Examine how characters assert their independence and make choices based on their own judgment.	In The Catcher in the Rye, explore Holden Caulfield’s quest for personal autonomy and his critique of societal conformity.
Consider Social and Political Commentary	Explore any social or political commentary present in the work. Evaluate how it addresses issues such as social justice, inequality, and the role of government in the lives of individuals.	In 1984, George Orwell offers a dystopian critique of totalitarianism and government control over personal freedoms.
Interpret Symbolism and Allegory	Look for symbols and allegorical elements that convey deeper meanings, and analyze how these symbols relate to human experiences, values, or societal commentary.	In The Great Gatsby, analyze the symbolism of the green light as a representation of unattainable dreams and desires.
Engage with Psychological and Emotional Depth	Delve into the psychological and emotional depth of characters, considering how the work explores human psychology, emotions, and inner conflicts.	In Mrs. Dalloway, explore Virginia Woolf’s depiction of the complex inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.
Assess the Work’s Impact	Reflect on the overall impact of the work on the reader, considering how it provokes thought, prompts self-reflection, and inspires empathy and understanding of human nature.	In To the Lighthouse, examine how Virginia Woolf’s narrative style encourages readers to introspect and empathize with the characters.
Consider Cultural and Global Relevance	Analyze how the work’s themes and messages resonate on a global and cross-cultural level, addressing universal aspects of the human experience.	In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho’s exploration of personal legends and destiny appeals to readers worldwide.

Humanism: Example of a Critique

Step	Explanation	Critique
Step 1: Analyze the Human Element	In the British novel “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, the author skillfully portrays the human experiences, emotions, and relationships of the protagonist, Pip, as he navigates societal expectations and personal growth in 19th-century England.	Charles Dickens provides a rich portrayal of human experiences, emotions, and relationships in a society characterized by class distinctions and personal ambitions. The narrative invites readers to empathize with Pip’s journey and the complexities of his emotional and social relationships.
Step 2: Evaluate Ethical Themes	The novel delves deeply into ethical themes, particularly the moral dilemmas and ethical choices made by Pip and other characters. It addresses issues of class, ambition, and the moral responsibilities individuals have toward one another.	“Great Expectations” offers a profound exploration of ethical dilemmas, especially those related to social class, ambition, and personal moral growth. Through the characters’ choices, the novel critiques the moral responsibilities individuals have in a society defined by class distinctions.
Step 3: Explore Historical and Cultural Context	Understanding the historical and cultural context of 19th-century England is crucial. “Great Expectations” reflects the societal norms, beliefs, and values of the time, offering a critique of the class system and social mobility.	The novel effectively immerses readers in the historical and cultural context of Victorian England, shedding light on the rigidity of the class system and the societal expectations that defined the era. It provides a critical examination of social mobility and the impact of societal values on individual lives.
Step 4: Examine Author’s Perspective	Charles Dickens’s perspective and worldview, as a prominent Victorian writer, significantly influence the narrative. His personal experiences and beliefs become evident through the portrayal of social injustices and the importance of empathy.	Dickens’s perspective as a Victorian writer is evident in the novel’s critique of social injustices and his emphasis on the need for empathy in a society marked by class disparities. His personal beliefs contribute to the novel’s moral undertone, encouraging readers to examine societal prejudices and show compassion to one another.
Step 5: Assess the Use of Reason and Rationality	The characters in the novel employ reason and critical thinking to address complex ethical challenges. Pip’s moral journey and the decisions he makes serve as prime examples.	The novel showcases the significance of reason and critical thinking through Pip’s moral journey. His decisions and personal growth underscore the importance of rationality in navigating complex ethical challenges, providing a critique of societal norms that may stifle individual growth and reasoning.
Step 6: Reflect on Individualism and Autonomy	“Great Expectations” highlights the importance of individualism and personal autonomy. Pip’s quest for self-identity and moral autonomy challenges the societal norms of class distinctions and ambition.	Pip’s pursuit of self-identity and moral autonomy in the face of societal expectations underscores the significance of individualism and personal autonomy. It serves as a critique of the constraints imposed by class distinctions and societal pressures, encouraging readers to consider the value of self-determination.
Step 7: Consider Social and Political Commentary	The novel provides a profound social and political commentary by critiquing the rigid class system of Victorian England. It underscores the importance of social justice and empathetic understanding.	“Great Expectations” offers a potent social and political critique of the class system in Victorian England. It emphasizes the need for social justice and empathetic understanding in a society characterized by class disparities. The novel encourages readers to reflect on the implications of rigid social structures.
Step 8: Interpret Symbolism and Allegory	The novel uses symbolism and allegory effectively. The character of Miss Havisham symbolizes the destructive power of obsession and the consequences of societal expectations.	The symbolism of Miss Havisham represents the destructive consequences of societal expectations and obsession. It serves as an allegorical critique of the impact of societal pressures on individual lives, challenging readers to examine the consequences of rigid expectations and personal obsessions.
Step 9: Engage with Psychological and Emotional Depth	Charles Dickens delves into the psychological and emotional depth of the characters, particularly Pip and his internal struggles as he grapples with societal expectations and personal growth.	The novel’s exploration of the psychological and emotional depth of characters, especially Pip, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. It invites readers to critique the internal struggles and emotional conflicts experienced by individuals as they navigate societal expectations and personal growth.
Step 10: Assess the Work’s Impact	“Great Expectations” has a profound impact on the reader, provoking thought, prompting self-reflection, and inspiring empathy and understanding of the human condition. It encourages readers to confront their own ambitions and societal prejudices.	The novel’s impact is profound, prompting self-reflection and encouraging readers to critically examine their own ambitions and societal biases. It fosters empathy and understanding of the human condition, inviting readers to engage with the complexities of personal growth, ambition, and societal expectations.
Step 11: Consider Cultural and Global Relevance	The novel’s themes of social class, ambition, and the complexities of human character resonate on a global and cross-cultural level, addressing universal aspects of the human experience and fostering discussions on these critical issues.	The themes of social class, ambition, and personal growth presented in the novel have a global and cross-cultural relevance. They address universal aspects of the human experience, inviting readers to engage in discussions about societal expectations, individual ambition, and the complexities of human character on a broader scale.

Humanism: Suggested Readings

1. Alighieri, Dante. The Divine Comedy. Translated by Mark Musa, Penguin Classics, 2003.
2. Erasmus, Desiderius. Praise of Folly. Translated by Betty Radice, Penguin Classics, 1993.
3. Grayling, A.C. The God Argument: The Case against Religion and for Humanism. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014.
4. Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince. Translated by Peter Bondanella, Oxford University Press, 2005.
5. Pico della Mirandola, Giovanni. Oration on the Dignity of Man. Translated by Kristeller, Paul Oskar, and Yates, Frances A. Harper & Row, 1953.
6. Russell, Bertrand. A History of Western Philosophy. Simon & Schuster, 1945.
7. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, Arden Shakespeare, 1982.
8. Spretnak, Charlene. The Spiritual Dimension of Green Politics. Continuum, 1986.

Read more on Literary Theory below:

• Decolonial Theory in English Literature
• Geocriticism in English Literature
• Theories of Narrative in Literature
• Transculturation Theory in Literature