Eagleton dismisses the idea that "English" was always there. In the 18th century, literature meant polite letters —a tool for the aristocracy to distinguish themselves from the rising merchant class. It was about taste, not truth.
Some say literature has no practical purpose. However, a manual on how to build a shelf becomes "literature" if someone decides to value its prose style over its instructions. Conclusion: Literature as Power Terry eagleton the rise of english pdf
. Eagleton argues that the study of English didn’t just appear out of thin air—it was a calculated move to provide a sense of moral and national identity during the decline of religious influence in the Victorian era. Eagleton dismisses the idea that "English" was always there
Eagleton’s most famous claim is that English literature rose to prominence because . By the late 19th century, scientific advancements and social upheaval had weakened the church’s hold on the masses. The Victorian ruling class needed a new way to: Provide moral guidance without the "baggage" of dogma. Some say literature has no practical purpose
: As religion’s power to maintain social order waned in the 19th century, Eagleton argues that English literature was "installed" as a secular substitute to instill Victorian values and national pride.
This is the core of the argument. Eagleton dismantles Arnold.
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