THE FUNCTION OF LITERATURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEORIES OF THE ART OF L.N. TOLSTOY AND I. A. RICHARDS

Abstract

The function of art is one of the most discussed and curious topics throughout history. Many art
critics and theorists have put forward various thesis on this subject, some of which have been
accepted and some rejected. As a result of all these ideas, the main tasks of art are mainly focused
on: the function of educating and the function of giving pleasure.
Although the analysis of Tolstoy and Richards' theories on art was analized separately, there is no
research of these theorists separately or together comparatively. Therefore, since this is the first
time this topic will be analised in this way, it is important especially in the field of literature. The aim of the subject is to research comparatively the theories of two important and well-known
names from different cultures that put signature under the important ideas in the field of art and
literature and to determine the different aspects and points of intersection of both theories.
Two thinkers, one of whom was from Russian literature and the other from English literature, had
various theories on the function of art. Tolstoy saw art as a tool for guiding society, but Richards
saw its function as a way to give pleasure and evoke aesthetic emotion.
In order to see better the details, comparisons, similar and different aspects of Tolstoy’s and
Richards’ views, in this study the analysis is carried outp step by step.