Malleability in Literature & Literary Theory

Malleability: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term

The term “malleability” traces its roots to the Latin word malleabilis, derived from malleare, meaning “to hammer” or “to shape.” The term originally pertained to the physical property of materials being shaped or molded under pressure, a concept that has metaphorically expanded to encompass a range of attributes beyond the physical realm.

Meanings and Concept:

• Physical:
  • Refers to the material property allowing it to deform under compressive stress, commonly applied to metals like gold and silver that can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.
• Psychological:
  • Describes the adaptability and openness of an individual’s mindset to change or new ideas, reflecting a cognitive flexibility that facilitates learning and growth.
• Social:
  • Indicates the capacity of societal norms, beliefs, or institutions to evolve or be reshaped over time, acknowledging the dynamic nature of cultural constructs.
• Emotional:
  • Addresses an individual’s emotional resilience and ability to cope with challenges, suggesting a capacity to adapt and bounce back from adversity.
• Conceptual:
  • Explores the flexibility of abstract ideas or theories to incorporate new perspectives or insights, emphasizing the dynamic nature of intellectual constructs.

Understanding malleability across these dimensions reveals a nuanced concept that extends beyond its literal material origins, encompassing adaptability, flexibility, and responsiveness in various aspects of the physical, psychological, and social domains.

Malleability: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Malleability, as a theoretical term, denotes the inherent capacity of a system, substance, or concept to undergo deformation, transformation, or adaptation under external influences. It encompasses physical properties, such as the pliability of materials under stress, as well as abstract qualities like cognitive flexibility, societal adaptability, and the receptiveness of ideas to change. The term underscores the dynamic nature of entities to reshape or be reshaped, encapsulating a fundamental attribute of responsiveness and openness within diverse contexts.

Malleability: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorist	Notable Works	Key Argument
Carol S. Dweck	Mindset: The New Psychology of Success	Argues that individuals with a “growth mindset,” embracing the belief in malleability, are more likely to succeed and thrive in various aspects of life.
Michel Foucault	Discipline and Punish, The Archaeology of Knowledge	Examines the malleability of societal institutions and norms, emphasizing how power structures shape and reshape over time.
John Dewey	Democracy and Education	Advocates for educational malleability, asserting that learning environments should adapt to students’ needs, fostering continuous growth and development.
Thomas Kuhn	The Structure of Scientific Revolutions	Proposes the concept of paradigm shifts, highlighting the malleability of scientific frameworks as they evolve to accommodate new theories and perspectives.

These theorists have significantly contributed to the understanding of malleability across various domains, including psychology, sociology, education, and scientific discourse. Their works explore how entities, be they individuals or societal structures, exhibit adaptability and transformation over time.

Malleability: Major Characteristics

• Psychological:
  • Example from Literature: In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the character of Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes psychological malleability as he transforms from a miserly and cold-hearted individual to a compassionate and generous man through the intervention of supernatural visitations.
• Physical:
  • Example from Literature: In Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” the transformation of the nymph Daphne into a laurel tree exemplifies physical malleability, highlighting the mythical concept of metamorphosis and change in form.
• Social:
  • Example from Literature: Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” portrays social malleability through the character of Elizabeth Bennet, who challenges and transcends societal expectations by refusing to conform to traditional gender roles and marrying for love rather than social status.
• Emotional:
  • Example from Literature: In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, the character of Severus Snape undergoes emotional malleability, revealing complex layers of his personality and emotions as the narrative unfolds, challenging initial perceptions of his character.
• Conceptual:
  • Example from Literature: George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” exemplifies conceptual malleability as the initial ideals of the animal revolution evolve and are manipulated, demonstrating the shifting nature of political ideologies and power structures.

Literature often serves as a rich source to explore the multifaceted nature of malleability, offering diverse examples that illuminate how characters, ideas, and societies can adapt and transform throughout a narrative.

Malleability: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Malleability
New Criticism	Explores how malleability of character traits or themes within a text contributes to its complexity and depth, influencing the reader’s interpretation.
Deconstruction	Aligns with the idea that texts possess inherent malleability, as deconstruction seeks to unravel fixed meanings and highlight the fluidity of interpretation.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Focuses on the malleability of characters’ psychological states, delving into the transformative nature of emotions, desires, and motivations in literary works.
Feminist Criticism	Examines how societal expectations and gender roles portrayed in literature can exhibit malleability, illustrating shifts in perspectives on women’s roles and identities.
Reader-Response Theory	Acknowledges the malleability of reader interpretation, emphasizing how readers’ responses and experiences shape the meaning and significance of a literary work.
Postcolonial Criticism	Explores the malleability of cultural identities and power dynamics in literature, emphasizing the evolving narratives of postcolonial societies and marginalized voices.
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes how economic structures and social classes depicted in literature can exhibit malleability, reflecting changing societal norms and struggles for economic justice.
Structuralism	Investigates the malleability of recurring patterns and structures within literary works, seeking to identify universal elements while recognizing variations and adaptations.
Postmodernism	Celebrates the malleability of narratives, rejecting fixed meanings and embracing the idea that literary works are open to diverse interpretations and perspectives.
Magical Realism	Explores the malleability of reality within literary contexts, blending fantastical elements with realistic settings to challenge conventional distinctions and encourage flexibility in perception.

Malleability: Application in Critiques

Literary Work	Application of Malleability in Critiques
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	Malleability is evident in the characters’ evolving perceptions of morality, racial prejudice, and justice in a Southern town, demonstrating societal and moral transformation.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley	The novel explores the malleability of identity, ethics, and societal perceptions as Victor Frankenstein’s creation challenges conventional boundaries, reflecting on the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka	Kafka’s work exemplifies the physical and emotional malleability of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, whose transformation into an insect prompts a reassessment of societal expectations and family dynamics.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley	The critique lies in it regarding societal values and individual autonomy as the novel envisions a dystopian world where technology, conditioning, and consumerism shape human behavior and societal structures.

Malleability: Relevant Terms

1. Adaptability: Capacity to adjust or change in response to different circumstances.
2. Flexibility: Ability to bend or alter without breaking, often applied to ideas or structures.
3. Plasticity: Quality of being easily shaped or molded, applicable to materials or neural networks.
4. Versatility: Capability to be used in various ways or adapted to different purposes.
5. Resilience: Capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
6. Ductility: Material property allowing it to undergo significant deformation without rupture.
7. Open-mindedness: Willingness to consider and embrace new or different ideas.
8. Moldability: Quality of being easily shaped or formed, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.
9. Dynamicity: State of constant change or motion, often associated with evolving systems.
10. Fluidity: Quality of being smooth and adaptable, allowing for easy transitions or transformations.

Malleability: Suggested Readings

1. Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale. McClelland and Stewart, 1985.
2. Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. Chapman & Hall, 1843.
3. Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House, 2006.
4. Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish. Vintage Books, 1977.
5. Kuhn, Thomas. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962.
6. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter Series. Scholastic, 1997-2007.
7. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Schocken Books, 1915.
8. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
9. Dewey, John. Democracy and Education. The Macmillan Company, 1916.
10. Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by David Raeburn, Penguin Classics, 2004.
11. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Secker and Warburg, 1945.
12. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, 1818.