Literature and Society : Themes

Themes

Themes:

• Interdependence of Literature and Society: Leavis’s central theme is that literature and society are complementary to each other. Literature reflects the moral consciousness, values, and culture of society, while society, in turn, nourishes and inspires literature. He believes that literature is never created in isolation; it grows out of social reality, history, and moral strength. According to Leavis, true literature is the living expression of a society’s moral awareness. Society gives birth to literature, and literature keeps society alive.
• Balance between Popular and Sophisticated Culture: Leavis’s second theme is that literature becomes truly great only when it harmonizes popular culture and sophisticated culture. Popular culture represents the life, language, and emotions of common people, whereas sophisticated culture expresses intellectual depth, moral refinement, and artistic sensibility. Leavis illustrates this idea through John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, which, in his view, perfectly unites both cultural elements. This balance brings vitality and realism to literature. Leavis says that perfect literature emerges from the union of common life and cultivated sensibility.
• Literature as a Moral and Humanizing Force: Leavis believes that literature is not merely a source of entertainment; it is a powerful instrument for moral and spiritual development. When society becomes mechanical, materialistic, and dominated by mass culture, literature has the power to revive human sensitivity and moral awareness. According to Leavis, studying literature means learning the lessons of life and awakening one’s moral consciousness. Through this theme, Leavis reminds readers that literature is the teacher of life; it makes human beings thoughtful, sensitive, and truly humane.