Emotionalism in Literature & Literary Theory

Emotionalism: Etymology and Concept

Emotionalism: Etymology

The term “emotionalism” traces its roots to the late 19th century, emerging from the word “emotion,” which itself originated from the Latin word “emovere,” meaning “to move out” or “to stir up.” The suffix “-ism” denotes a condition or doctrine. Thus, emotionalism encapsulates a set of beliefs or practices centered around the recognition, expression, and significance of emotions.

Concepts of Emotionalism in a Table

Aspect	Description
Recognition of Emotions	Acknowledgment and emphasis on the identification of emotions, both within oneself and in others. Recognizing and validating emotional states as integral components of human experience.
Expression of Emotions	Advocacy for the open and authentic expression of emotions, fostering an environment where individuals feel free to convey their feelings without fear of judgment. Encouraging emotional communication as a means of connection and understanding.
Significance of Emotions	Attributing importance to emotions as valuable sources of information and insight. Viewing emotions as integral to decision-making, personal growth, and the overall human experience. Rejecting the notion of emotional suppression and promoting emotional intelligence.

Emotionalism: Meanings

Meaning	Description
Artistic Expression	Emphasizes the intense and subjective portrayal of emotions in artistic endeavors, prioritizing the evocative power of feelings over objective representation.
Philosophical Perspective	Refers to a philosophical stance valuing emotional experience and intuition as valid sources of knowledge and understanding, challenging purely rationalistic or analytical approaches.
Cultural Sensitivity	Advocates for an awareness and appreciation of the emotional nuances inherent in diverse cultural contexts, recognizing the impact of emotions on interpersonal dynamics and societal structures.
Religious Devotion	Describes an intense emotional connection in religious practices, where fervent feelings, such as ecstasy or spiritual joy, are considered essential components of a profound connection with the divine.
Critique in Rationalism	Represents a critique of rationalism, asserting that emotions play a crucial role in human cognition, decision-making, and ethical considerations, challenging the idea of pure logic as the sole path to truth.

Emotionalism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Emotionalism, within theoretical contexts, encapsulates a philosophical stance that prioritizes the centrality of emotions in human cognition and experience. It posits that emotions are not merely subjective reactions but essential components of knowledge acquisition, decision-making, and ethical considerations.

As a theoretical term, emotionalism challenges traditional rationalistic paradigms, emphasizing the significance of affective states in shaping individual perspectives and influencing broader societal dynamics.

Emotionalism: Theorists, Works and Argument

1. Theorists:
   • William James: In his influential work Principles of Psychology (1890), James emphasized the pragmatic role of emotions, arguing that they are integral for adaptive behavior and decision-making.
   • Martha Nussbaum: Nussbaum’s work, such as Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions (2001), advocates for the ethical importance of emotions and their role in fostering compassion and moral understanding.
2. Key Works:
   • Principles of Psychology by William James (1890): James explores the functional and adaptive significance of emotions, challenging reductionist views of affective states.
   • Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions by Martha Nussbaum (2001): Nussbaum argues for the cognitive and ethical richness of emotions, challenging the separation of reason and emotion.
3. Argument:
   • Emotionalism contends that emotions are not mere subjective reactions but serve as crucial components in human cognition, influencing perception, decision-making, and ethical judgments.
   • The argument posits that emotional experiences provide valuable insights and contribute to a more holistic understanding of human behavior, challenging the historical dominance of rationalism.
   • By emphasizing the significance of affective states, emotionalism seeks to bridge the perceived gap between reason and emotion, asserting that a comprehensive understanding of human experience necessitates the integration of both cognitive and emotional dimensions.

Emotionalism: Major Characteristics

Characteristic	Description
Priority of Emotions	Emphasizes the centrality of emotions in human experience, cognition, and decision-making, challenging the traditional primacy of reason.
Holistic Understanding	Advocates for a holistic view of human experience by recognizing emotions as integral components, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of behavior.
Ethical Significance	Attributes ethical importance to emotions, asserting that they play a crucial role in moral judgments, compassion, and fostering meaningful interpersonal connections.
Integration of Reason and Emotion	Seeks to bridge the perceived gap between reason and emotion, arguing for their interdependence and the necessity of considering both in the study of human behavior.
Critique of Rationalism	Challenges rationalistic paradigms by asserting that emotions are not impediments to rational thought but valuable sources of insight, contributing to a more nuanced worldview.

Emotionalism: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in feminist literary theory emphasizes the exploration of women’s emotional experiences, challenging traditional depictions and providing insight into the emotional nuances of female characters. It seeks to validate and analyze the emotional aspects of women’s lives that might have been historically marginalized.
2. Postcolonial Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in postcolonial literary theory brings attention to the emotional impact of colonization on individuals and communities. It explores the emotional dimensions of cultural trauma, displacement, and resistance, offering a more nuanced understanding of the psychological consequences of colonial histories.
3. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism is intrinsic to psychoanalytic literary theory, which explores the unconscious emotions and desires of characters. This approach delves into the emotional motivations behind literary works, providing insights into the characters’ psyches and the emotional underpinnings of narratives.
4. Queer Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in queer literary theory delves into the emotional lives of LGBTQ+ characters, addressing the complex interplay of emotions in their experiences. It explores themes of love, desire, and identity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the emotional landscapes within queer literature.
5. Ecocriticism:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in ecocriticism focuses on the emotional connections between humans and the environment in literature. It explores how narratives evoke emotional responses to environmental issues, fostering a deeper ecological awareness and connection through the portrayal of emotional bonds with nature.
6. Cultural Studies:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in cultural studies within literary theory examines how emotions shape cultural narratives and representations. It considers how emotional expressions in literature reflect and influence cultural norms, societal values, and the collective emotional experiences of a given community.
7. Marxist Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Emotionalism in Marxist literary theory may highlight the emotional experiences of individuals within different class structures. It explores how emotions intersect with socioeconomic conditions, providing a lens through which to understand the emotional impact of systemic inequalities depicted in literature.

In various literary theories, emotionalism plays a crucial role in uncovering and interpreting the emotional dimensions of characters, societies, and cultural contexts. It enriches literary analysis by acknowledging the profound influence of emotions on both the creation and reception of literary works.

Emotionalism: Application in Critiques

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
   • Strengths: Emotionalism enhances the critique of societal expectations and gender roles, emphasizing the emotional growth of characters like Elizabeth Bennet. The exploration of romantic feelings provides a nuanced portrayal of love, challenging societal norms.
   • Weaknesses: Emotionalism may overshadow other social critiques, potentially leading to a narrower analysis focused primarily on the romantic aspects of the novel.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
   • Strengths: Emotionalism deepens the understanding of the complex and fantastical events in the novel, bringing attention to the emotional toll of the Buendía family’s cyclical struggles. It highlights the profound impact of love, loss, and solitude on the characters.
   • Weaknesses: Overemphasis on emotional elements might neglect the socio-political commentary embedded in the narrative, potentially overlooking the broader context of the novel.
3. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison:
   • Strengths: Emotionalism enriches the critique of the legacy of slavery, emphasizing the trauma and emotional scars carried by the characters, especially Sethe and Beloved. The exploration of maternal love and sacrifice adds layers to the analysis.
   • Weaknesses: While emotionalism captures the visceral impact of trauma, it might overshadow the novel’s broader exploration of historical and cultural themes.
4. “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami:
   • Strengths: Emotionalism enhances the examination of personal and existential struggles, particularly the characters’ experiences of love, loss, and the search for identity. The novel’s emotional depth resonates through its exploration of mental health.
   • Weaknesses: A sole focus on emotional elements may risk overlooking Murakami’s broader existential and philosophical themes, potentially leading to an oversimplified interpretation.

In this revised critique, the first two novels are presented in bold italics, maintaining a focus on the emotional aspects while acknowledging the broader contexts and themes within each work.

Emotionalism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Affective States	Broad range of emotional experiences influencing overall well-being.
Emotional Intelligence	Ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions for effective relationships.
Catharsis	Release of emotional tension, often experienced through art or literature.
Sentiment Analysis	Computational assessment of emotions in text, used for analyzing opinions and feedback.
Empathy	Capacity to understand and share others’ feelings, fostering connection and compassion.
Melancholy	Deep, contemplative, sorrowful emotional state associated with introspection.
Cultural Resonance	Emotional depictions in art or literature that resonate with cultural values and collective experiences.
Pathos	Appeal to emotions in literature or rhetoric to evoke pity, compassion, or empathy.
Eudaimonia	Philosophical concept of flourishing through meaningful goals, ethical living, and positive emotions.
Mood Congruence	Tendency to recall information congruent with current emotional state, influencing perception and memory.

Emotionalism: Suggested Readings

1. Nussbaum, Martha. Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
2. James, William. Principles of Psychology. Dover Publications, 1890.
3. Barbalet, Jack M. Emotion, Social Theory, and Social Structure: A Macrosociological Approach. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
4. Solomon, Robert C. The Passions: Emotions and the Meaning of Life. Hackett Publishing Company, 1993.
5. de Sousa, Ronald. The Rationality of Emotion. MIT Press, 1987.
6. Tomkins, Silvan S. Affect Imagery Consciousness: The Complete Edition (Volume I – IV). Springer, 2008.
7. Lutz, Catherine A., and Lila Abu-Lughod, editors. Language and the Politics of Emotion. Cambridge University Press, 1990.
8. Ekman, Paul. Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life. Owl Books, 2007.
9. Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books, 1995.
10. Damasio, Antonio R. Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Penguin Books, 2005.