⋆ ⋆ ⋆
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THL1501: INTRODUCTION
TO THEORY OF LITERATURE
May/June 2023 & May/June 2024 — Past Paper Revision Guide
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Theory of Literature — UNISA
Exam Revision Guide
THL1501
Module Code:
Introduction to Theory of Literature
Module Name:
May/June 2023 & May/June 2024
Paper / Exam:
Year:
100 marks (4 Hours each)
Total Marks:
Mr L Jegels & Mr D Sibuyi
Examiners:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation. All
questions answered in full.
Exam Revision Notes | THL1501 |
,THL1501 | Exam Revision Theory of Literature
PART A: MAY/JUNE 2023 EXAMINATION
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS — THL1501 — 100 Marks (4 Hours)
Examiners: Mr L Jegels & Mr D Sibuyi
Page 2 of 23
, THL1501 | Exam Revision Theory of Literature
Question 1 (2023) [30 marks]
(1.1) [15 marks]
Question: With reference to the study guide, discuss the consequences of the connections
between natural objects, cultural objects and human societies. In your answer, explain
what distinguishes natural objects from cultural objects, and discuss how human societies
give meaning to objects through aesthetic norms and values. (15)
Answer: Natural Objects vs Cultural Objects
A natural object is one that occurs in the physical world independently of human
intention or intervention — rocks, rivers, trees, and animals are natural objects. A cul-
tural object, by contrast, is any object that has been made, adapted, or given meaning
by human beings and their societies. The same material thing (a piece of carved wood)
can move from natural to cultural status depending on the human activity applied to it.
Key consequences of the connections between natural objects, cultural ob-
jects and human societies:
• Objects acquire social meaning: When a society assigns meaning to an object
(e.g., a flag, a poem, a monument), it becomes a cultural object embedded within
shared values. This meaning is not intrinsic to the material but is conferred by peo-
ple.
• Aesthetic norms are socially constructed: Societies develop shared aesthetic
norms — standards by which objects are judged as beautiful, valuable, or mean-
ingful. These norms differ across cultures and time periods, showing that aesthetic
value is not universal but socially mediated.
• Value is attributed, not inherent: Natural objects have no inherent aesthetic
value; it is humans who attribute value to them. A diamond is only “precious” be-
cause a culture treats it as such.
• Literature as a cultural object: Literary texts are cultural objects because they
are produced within, and shaped by, specific societies. The meaning of a literary
text is therefore tied to the cultural context in which it is produced and received.
• Consequences for literary theory: Recognising that objects (including literary
texts) gain meaning through social and cultural processes challenges purely for-
malist approaches (like Russian Formalism or New Criticism) that treat texts as
self-contained objects with intrinsic meaning.
Page 3 of 23
]]
THL1501: INTRODUCTION
TO THEORY OF LITERATURE
May/June 2023 & May/June 2024 — Past Paper Revision Guide
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Theory of Literature — UNISA
Exam Revision Guide
THL1501
Module Code:
Introduction to Theory of Literature
Module Name:
May/June 2023 & May/June 2024
Paper / Exam:
Year:
100 marks (4 Hours each)
Total Marks:
Mr L Jegels & Mr D Sibuyi
Examiners:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation. All
questions answered in full.
Exam Revision Notes | THL1501 |
,THL1501 | Exam Revision Theory of Literature
PART A: MAY/JUNE 2023 EXAMINATION
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS — THL1501 — 100 Marks (4 Hours)
Examiners: Mr L Jegels & Mr D Sibuyi
Page 2 of 23
, THL1501 | Exam Revision Theory of Literature
Question 1 (2023) [30 marks]
(1.1) [15 marks]
Question: With reference to the study guide, discuss the consequences of the connections
between natural objects, cultural objects and human societies. In your answer, explain
what distinguishes natural objects from cultural objects, and discuss how human societies
give meaning to objects through aesthetic norms and values. (15)
Answer: Natural Objects vs Cultural Objects
A natural object is one that occurs in the physical world independently of human
intention or intervention — rocks, rivers, trees, and animals are natural objects. A cul-
tural object, by contrast, is any object that has been made, adapted, or given meaning
by human beings and their societies. The same material thing (a piece of carved wood)
can move from natural to cultural status depending on the human activity applied to it.
Key consequences of the connections between natural objects, cultural ob-
jects and human societies:
• Objects acquire social meaning: When a society assigns meaning to an object
(e.g., a flag, a poem, a monument), it becomes a cultural object embedded within
shared values. This meaning is not intrinsic to the material but is conferred by peo-
ple.
• Aesthetic norms are socially constructed: Societies develop shared aesthetic
norms — standards by which objects are judged as beautiful, valuable, or mean-
ingful. These norms differ across cultures and time periods, showing that aesthetic
value is not universal but socially mediated.
• Value is attributed, not inherent: Natural objects have no inherent aesthetic
value; it is humans who attribute value to them. A diamond is only “precious” be-
cause a culture treats it as such.
• Literature as a cultural object: Literary texts are cultural objects because they
are produced within, and shaped by, specific societies. The meaning of a literary
text is therefore tied to the cultural context in which it is produced and received.
• Consequences for literary theory: Recognising that objects (including literary
texts) gain meaning through social and cultural processes challenges purely for-
malist approaches (like Russian Formalism or New Criticism) that treat texts as
self-contained objects with intrinsic meaning.
Page 3 of 23
