TEXTUAL GRAVITY: A NEW PARADIGM OF LITERARY MEANING
affiliated with the Department of English at Ranchi University, where he is pursuing his Ph.D. as a research scholar
This paper proposes Textual Gravity Theory as a new paradigm for understanding literary meaning. Moving beyond established frameworks such as, and, the study reconceptualizes meaning as a dynamic force shaped by attraction and resistance within a literary text.Drawing metaphorically from the concept of gravity, the theory argues that dominant elements— such as themes, characters, and conflicts—function as “gravitational centers” that pullinterpretation in particular directions. At the same time, counter-elements operate as resistance forces, complicating and diversifying meaning.The paper further demonstrates that literary meaning is neither fixed nor entirely subjective but emerges through the interaction of textual forces and reader engagement. By focusing on the dynamic interplay of these forces, Textual Gravity Theory offers a fresh and interdisciplinary framework for literary interpretation, with potential applications across genres, periods, and cultural contexts.
Garai, R. (2026). Textual Gravity: A New Paradigm of Literary Meaning. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(03). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.279
Garai, Raghabendra. "Textual Gravity: A New Paradigm of Literary Meaning." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 03, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.279.
Garai, Raghabendra. "Textual Gravity: A New Paradigm of Literary Meaning." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 03 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.279.
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