The Social Theory of Literary Theory: Comments on Eli Thorkelson, “The Silent Social Order of the Theory Classroom”

摘要

Considering the general analytical ability—whether applied to conceptual or social materials—and the quality of the argumentation characterising it, Eli Thorkelson's “The Silent Social Order of the Theory Classroom” is a remarkable piece, all the more so considering that it was an honours submission. Keeping this overall evaluation in mind throughout, I propose to confine the following short commentary to a critical assessment focused single-mindedly on the theoretical structure of the piece. To be able to do so in a comprehensible manner, I shall open with some brief remarks to place the piece in context as I understand it.