Emotivist Theory & Literary Theory

Introduction to Emotivist Theory

Emotivist Theory in literature shows that language and literature aim to express and evoke emotions rather than convey facts or morals. It emphasizes authors conveying their emotions and readers experiencing empathetic responses through literature’s aesthetic qualities.

Criticism Against Emotivist Theory

Here are some of the main criticisms of emotivist theory/literary theory:

Criticism	Explanation
Moral relativism	Emotivism faces criticism of leading to moral relativism, implying no objective moral truths and considering morality as entirely subjective. Critics argue that if moral judgments are solely based on personal emotions or attitudes, there is no objective basis for evaluating or comparing moral claims.
Incoherence	Emotivism is criticized for being incoherent and self-defeating. Critics argue that if moral judgments are mere expressions of personal emotions or attitudes, it becomes unclear how they can be evaluated or compared, since emotions and attitudes are subjective and cannot be objectively measured or compared.
Lack of guidance	Emotivist theory is criticized for lacking practical guidance in moral decision-making. Critics argue that if moral judgments are based solely on personal emotions or attitudes, it is unclear how individuals can make moral decisions or resolve moral conflicts, since there are no objective moral standards to guide them.
Ignoring reason	Emotivism is criticized for ignoring the role of reason in moral and emotional judgments. Critics argue that personal emotions and attitudes are not the sole determinants of moral judgments or emotional responses, and that reason and logic also play a crucial role in these processes.

In short, emotivist theory has been subject to several criticisms, including charges of moral relativism, incoherence, lack of practical guidance, and ignoring the role of reason in moral and emotional judgments. These criticisms highlight the challenges and limitations of emotivism as a theory in moral philosophy and literary theory.

Examples of Emotivist Theory

1. “The Ballad of Birmingham” by Dudley Randall

• “The Ballad of Birmingham” is a poignant poem that explores the emotions of a mother and her child in the context of civil rights struggles. Emotivist Theory allows us to appreciate the raw emotions conveyed in the poem—the mother’s fear for her child’s safety, the child’s eagerness to participate in a protest, and the tragic outcome that evokes sorrow and outrage.

2. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

• Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” is a powerful poem that celebrates resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. Emotivist Theory helps us connect with the emotional strength and determination of the speaker. Readers experience a range of emotions, from empowerment and pride to a deep sense of solidarity with the speaker and the broader struggle for equality.

3. “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway

• In Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants,” Emotivist Theory sheds light on the unspoken tension between a couple as they grapple with a life-altering decision. Readers can sense the emotional distance and apprehension between the characters, making the story’s central dilemma—whether to undergo an abortion—feel all the more palpable and emotionally charged.

4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

• “The Yellow Wallpaper” remains a powerful exploration of a woman’s emotional turmoil and societal oppression. Emotivist Theory allows readers to connect deeply with the protagonist’s emotional distress and frustration as she battles the confines of her domestic life and deteriorating mental health. The story’s emotive qualities underscore the broader critique of patriarchal norms.

In these selected works, Emotivist Theory enhances our understanding of the emotional and ethical aspects of the narratives and poems, allowing readers to connect with the characters’ emotions and ethical dilemmas on a personal level while contemplating the broader social and cultural themes presented.

Keywords in Emotivist Theory

Here are some keywords that are often associated with emotivist theory/literary theory:

1. Emotion: Emotivist theory centers on the emotional responses of readers and characters in literature.
2. Subjectivity: It highlights the subjective nature of emotions and their influence on our interpretations of literary works.
3. Expressivism: Emotivist theory is also known as expressivism, stressing the expressive power of language and the significance of conveying emotions through writing.
4. Moral Philosophy: It shares a close association with moral philosophy, particularly the notion that moral judgments are rooted in emotional responses rather than objective facts.
5. Aesthetics: Emotivist theory also addresses the aesthetic qualities of literature and the ways emotions shape our perceptions of beauty and art.
6. Reader Response Theory: Emotivist theory is often linked to reader-response theory, which underscores the role of the reader in constructing meaning in literary works through their emotional responses.

Suggested Readings

1. Ayer, Alfred J. Language, Truth, and Logic. 2nd ed. New York: Dover, 1946.
2. Blackburn, Simon. Spreading the Word: Groundings in the Philosophy of Language. Oxford: Clarendon, 1984.
3. Carroll, David. Language and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Language. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2014.
4. Ebbersmeyer, Sabrina. Emotional minds: the passions and the limits of pure inquiry in early modern philosophy. de Gruyter, 2012.
5. Hare, Richard M. The Language of Morals. Oxford: Clarendon, 1952.
6. Hogan, Patrick Colm, Bradley J. Irish, and Lalita Pandit Hogan, eds. The Routledge Companion to Literature and Emotion. Routledge, 2022.
7. Hertzberg, Lars. On Emotive Meaning: A Study in Wittgenstein’s Tractatus. Oxford: Clarendon, 1990.