Literalize in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Literalize

The term “literalize” originates from the broader linguistic concept of “literal,” denoting adherence to the explicit or primary meaning of a word or expression. The suffix “-ize” is derived from the Greek “-izo,” which is used to form verbs denoting the act or process of making something.

Therefore, “literalize” refers to the action of rendering something in a literal or straightforward manner. In an academic context, the term is often employed when discussing textual interpretation or artistic representation.

When individuals literalize a concept or metaphor, they are concretely expressing or embodying its primary, non-metaphorical meaning. This linguistic process is fundamental in textual analysis, particularly when elucidating the distinctions between literal and metaphorical language within written or spoken discourse.

Meanings of Literalize

Aspect	Meaning
Adherence to Explicit Meaning:	“Literalize” refers to the act of adhering strictly to the explicit or primary meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.
Rendering in a Straightforward Manner:	The term denotes the process of rendering something in a straightforward or direct manner, without metaphorical or symbolic interpretation.
Concrete Expression:	In literary or artistic contexts, “literalize” involves concretely expressing or embodying a concept, often removing layers of abstraction or metaphor.
Textual Interpretation:	Used in discussions of textual analysis, the term describes the action of interpreting a text by emphasizing its literal meaning rather than exploring metaphorical or figurative dimensions.
Distinguishing Literal from Metaphorical:	“Literalize” is relevant when discussing the distinctions between literal and metaphorical language, particularly in the context of understanding and interpreting written or spoken discourse.

Definition of Literalize as a Theoretical Term

The theoretical term “literalize” encompasses the deliberate adherence to the explicit or primary meaning of language, eschewing metaphorical or symbolic interpretations.

In a broader context, it signifies the act of concretely expressing or embodying abstract concepts, particularly within literary or artistic discourse, often involving the removal of layers of abstraction or metaphor.

As a theoretical tool, “literalize” is pertinent in discussions of textual interpretation, emphasizing the exploration of a text’s direct and unambiguous meaning over nuanced or figurative dimensions.

Literalize: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Work	Argument
Hans-Georg Gadamer	Truth and Method	Gadamer’s hermeneutical approach involves a dynamic interplay between the interpreter and the text, exploring how understanding unfolds. While not explicitly using the term “literalize,” his ideas contribute to discussions on interpretation and the role of literal meaning.
Paul Ricoeur	The Rule of Metaphor	Ricoeur delves into the complexities of metaphor and interpretation. While not directly addressing “literalize,” his exploration of metaphorical and literal language contributes to the broader discourse on linguistic interpretation.
Jacques Derrida	Of Grammatology	Derrida’s deconstructive approach challenges binary distinctions between literal and metaphorical language, questioning the stability of meaning. Discussions related to how language resists fixed interpretation are relevant in the broader context of literalization.

This table summarizes the key works and arguments of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur, and Jacques Derrida in the context of discussions related to literal interpretation, hermeneutics, and linguistic analysis. If you have any specific requests for modifications or additional information, feel free to let me know!

Literalize and Literary Theories

1. Hermeneutics:
   • Relevance: Within hermeneutical approaches, the concept of literalize is pertinent. Scholars may explore how interpreting a text literally, or the emphasis on literal meaning, influences the understanding of the text’s deeper layers.
2. Deconstruction:
   • Relevance: In deconstructive literary theories, which challenge binary distinctions and fixed meanings, discussions related to literalize may involve questioning the stability of literal interpretations and exploring how language resists fixed meanings.
3. Semiotics:
   • Relevance: Literalize is significant in semiotic analyses where the focus is on signs and their literal meanings. This includes how symbols, words, and linguistic elements are interpreted in their direct and explicit sense.
4. Structuralism:
   • Relevance: Within structuralist literary theories, discussions on literalize may touch upon the structural aspects of language and how adhering strictly to literal meanings contributes to the overall structure and interpretation of a literary work.
5. Reader-Response Theory:
   • Relevance: The concept of literalize can be explored in reader-response theories where the literal interpretation of a text by the reader plays a crucial role in shaping the meaning of the work.
6. Poststructuralism:
   • Relevance: Poststructuralist literary theories, influenced by Derrida’s ideas, may engage with literalize in the context of challenging fixed interpretations and exploring the play of language in literary texts.

Literalize in Literary Criticism

1. Novel 1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   • Critique: Literalizing elements in this novel involves closely examining the literal events and dialogues within the racially charged setting. Critics might explore how the literal interpretation of the characters’ actions and statements contributes to the broader themes of racism and justice.
2. Poem 1: “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe
   • Critique: Literalize can be applied to the haunting imagery and symbolism in this poem. Critics may delve into the literal interpretation of the raven and its interactions with the narrator, exploring how this contributes to the poem’s melancholic atmosphere.
3. Novel 2: 1984 by George Orwell
   • Critique: In the dystopian world of 1984, literalize involves a meticulous examination of the literal actions of the oppressive government and the protagonist’s struggles. Critics might explore how the literal interpretation of surveillance and control adds to the novel’s portrayal of totalitarianism.
4. Poem 2: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
   • Critique: Literalizing elements in this poem involves focusing on the literal choices presented in the diverging paths. Critics may explore how the literal interpretation of the speaker’s decision to take a particular path contributes to the poem’s reflections on life choices.

In these works, literalize is applied to various aspects such as character actions, settings, and choices. Critics employing this approach may aim to uncover the nuanced layers of meaning that emerge when elements are interpreted in their direct and explicit sense, enhancing the audience’s understanding of the literary works.

Suggested Readings

1. Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.
2. Gadamer, Hans-Georg. Truth and Method. Bloomsbury Academic, 2013.
3. Ricoeur, Paul. The Rule of Metaphor: Multi-disciplinary Studies of the Creation of Meaning in Language. Routledge, 2003.
4. Saussure, Ferdinand de. Course in General Linguistics. Columbia University Press, 2011.
5. Searle, John R. Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge University Press, 1969.
6. Williams, Raymond. Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. Oxford University Press, 2015.