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What framework can be used to compare ancient and modern literary theories?

Ancient theories emphasize rhetoric, mimesis, and ethics.Modern theories often focus on language, power, and subjectivity.I want a framework that avoids anachronism while allowing comparison.

 

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By Joshna Answered 4 months ago

From my experience working across periods, the most effective framework is functional rather than doctrinal. I have seen productive comparisons emerge when theories are evaluated by the problems they address, not the terminology they use. I would recommend comparing assumptions about language, audience, and purpose. This allows ancient and modern theories to speak to each other without forcing false equivalences or hierarchies.

 

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