Universalism as Literary Theory

Etymology of Universalism

The etymology of “universalism” can be traced to the Latin word “universalis,” which is a compound of “universus,” meaning “whole” or “entire,” and “alis,” signifying “pertaining to” or “relating to.” In an academic context, “universalism” denotes a philosophical and ethical perspective that emphasizes the inherent unity and applicability of principles or values across all individuals, cultures, or contexts. It suggests the belief in fundamental truths, rights, or principles that are universally valid and not contingent upon specific cultural, geographical, or individual differences.

This concept has been influential in various domains, including ethics, theology, and social and political philosophy, where it is often used to argue for a common moral or legal framework applicable to all people, transcending cultural or national boundaries.

Meanings of Universalism

Aspect	Meaning
Philosophical Universalism	A philosophical concept asserting the existence of universal truths or principles that apply to all contexts and individuals.
Theological Universalism	A theological belief that posits the eventual salvation or reconciliation of all human souls, regardless of their beliefs or actions.
Cultural Universalism	The idea that certain cultural elements or practices are found in every known society throughout history, suggesting common human experiences.
Ethical Universalism	The ethical theory that there are objective moral principles or standards applicable to all people and situations, irrespective of cultural or individual differences.
Political Universalism	A political ideology advocating for the universality of human rights and principles, often used to support international agreements and cooperation.
Universalism in Literature	A literary approach that explores themes and narratives with universal relevance and appeal, transcending cultural or temporal boundaries.
Economic Universalism	An economic theory that seeks to establish universal principles and policies applicable to various economic systems and contexts.
Social Universalism	A social policy approach that aims to provide universal access to essential services and benefits for all members of a society, irrespective of their background.

Definition of Universalism

Universalism as a literary theory is an approach that posits the existence of themes, narratives, or concepts within literature that possess transcendent and universally applicable qualities. It suggests that certain aspects of literary works hold relevance and resonance across cultures, time periods, and individual perspectives, emphasizing shared human experiences and values. This theory seeks to identify and celebrate the enduring and cross-cultural aspects of literature, reflecting the belief that some literary elements possess universal significance.

Universalism: Origin, Theorists, Works and Arguments

Origin: Universalism as a literary theory finds its roots in classical philosophy and was rejuvenated during the Romantic era. The theory suggests that literature can convey enduring, universally relevant themes and truths that resonate across cultures and time periods. While its origins can be traced back to Aristotle’s exploration of catharsis and the portrayal of universal human experiences in drama, it gained prominence during the late 18th and 19th centuries when Romantic writers began to emphasize the transcendent qualities of literature.

Theorists:

1. Aristotle: Aristotle’s notion of catharsis in tragedy and his exploration of universal themes in drama laid the early groundwork for universalism in literature, underlining the idea that literature can elicit profound, universally relatable emotions and insights.
2. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Goethe, particularly through his work Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, stressed the concept of Bildungsroman, which showcases the protagonist’s development reflecting universal human experiences and the journey towards self-realization.
3. Northrop Frye: In Anatomy of Criticism, Frye introduced the idea of archetypal criticism, arguing that literature contains universal archetypal symbols and themes that transcend individual works, categorizing them into distinct literary genres.
4. Joseph Campbell: In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell proposed the concept of the monomyth, asserting that the hero’s journey is a universal narrative pattern present in world mythology and literature, reflecting the common human quest for self-discovery and transformation.

Works and Arguments:

1. The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: Campbell’s work argues that the hero’s journey, a recurring narrative structure in mythology and literature, embodies universal themes of personal transformation and growth, showcasing the shared human experience of embarking on a transformative quest.
2. Anatomy of Criticism by Northrop Frye: Frye’s book outlines archetypal criticism and explores the presence of universal archetypal symbols and themes across different literary works. He categorizes literature into specific genres, illustrating how shared motifs and symbols reflect deep-seated, universal human experiences.
3. Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Through this work, Goethe exemplifies the Bildungsroman, illustrating the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and maturation as a representation of universal human development and aspiration.
4. Orientalism by Edward Said: Said’s “Orientalism” critiques how Western literature has often perpetuated stereotypes and universalized certain views about the East, revealing the complex interplay between power dynamics and universalism in literature.

Universalism as a literary theory contends that literature can convey timeless, universally applicable themes and symbols that transcend cultural, temporal, and geographical boundaries, emphasizing the enduring relevance of literature in reflecting the shared human experience and its quest for meaning and understanding.

Principals of Universalism

Principal	Explanation
Transcultural Significance	Emphasizes themes and symbols in literature that resonate across different cultures and time periods.
Timeless Relevance	Posits the existence of enduring, universally applicable truths and narratives in literature.
Shared Human Experience	Focuses on the portrayal of common human experiences and emotions that unite readers from diverse backgrounds.
Archetypal Patterns	Recognizes recurring archetypal symbols and narrative structures as indicative of universal human themes.
Cross-Genre Applicability	Suggests that universal themes and motifs can be found in various literary genres.
Emphasis on Human Condition	Explores literature as a reflection of the human condition and a source of insights into the universal aspects of human existence.
Timelessness of Classics	Argues that classic literary works endure over time due to their ability to convey universal truths.
Interplay of Individual and Universal	Acknowledges the tension between individual creativity and the expression of universal themes in literature.

Suggested Readings

Books:

1. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 2008.
2. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 2000.
3. Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books, 1973.
4. Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von. Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship. Penguin Classics, 2004.
5. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage, 1979.

Articles and Journals:

1. Hogan, Patrick Colm. “Literary Universals.” Poetics Today (1997): 223-249.
2. Harbers, Hans. “Science in Context: The Paradoxes of Universalism and Liberalism.” Science, Technology, & Human Values, vol. 30, no. 4, 2005, pp. 575–82. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25046624. Accessed 21 Oct. 2023.