exigence in literature

3 min read 06-03-2025

Exigence, a term originating in rhetoric, signifies the urgency or need that compels a writer or speaker to create a particular text. It's the motivating force, the "situation" or context that demands a response. Understanding exigence is crucial for analyzing literature, as it illuminates the purpose and meaning behind the work. Without grasping the exigence, we miss a vital layer of interpretation.

What is Exigence? A Deeper Dive

In simple terms, exigence is the problem, issue, or situation that prompts the creation of a text. It's not simply the writer's personal desire to write; it's the external pressure, the social or political climate, the personal experience, or the perceived need to communicate something specific. This could be anything from a social injustice to a personal tragedy, a scientific discovery, or a shift in cultural values.

Exigence isn't passive; it demands action. The writer feels a pressure to respond, to address the issue at hand. This response takes the form of the written text itself.

Types of Exigence

Exigence can manifest in various ways:

Social/Political Exigence: This is perhaps the most common type. Think of works written in response to war, oppression, inequality, or political upheaval. Examples include works protesting slavery (like Frederick Douglass's narratives) or those chronicling the horrors of war (like Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front).
Personal Exigence: This arises from the writer's personal experiences, emotions, or beliefs. Memoirs, autobiographies, and even fictional works often stem from personal exigence. The writer feels compelled to share their story, to process their experiences, or to communicate a deeply held belief.
Cultural Exigence: This involves responding to shifts in cultural values, beliefs, or practices. Works exploring changing gender roles, evolving religious beliefs, or new technological advancements often fall under this category.
Intellectual Exigence: This arises from the desire to explore a specific idea, concept, or theory. Academic papers, philosophical treatises, and even some works of fiction stem from a need to grapple with complex intellectual issues.

Identifying Exigence in Literary Works

Pinpointing the exigence in a literary work requires careful reading and analysis. Consider these questions:

What is the context of the work? When and where was it written? What were the major social, political, or cultural events happening at the time?
What issues or problems does the work address? What are the central themes and concerns? Does the work critique, celebrate, or explore a particular aspect of society or human experience?
What is the writer's apparent purpose? What message is the writer trying to convey? What action, if any, does the writer hope to inspire in the reader?
How does the work's style and tone contribute to its exigence? Is the tone urgent, passionate, reflective, or analytical? Does the style reinforce the urgency of the message?

Examples of Exigence in Literature

Let's examine a few examples:

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood: The exigence here is arguably the increasing erosion of women's rights and the rise of religious extremism. Atwood created a dystopian vision to warn against these trends.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: The racial injustice and prejudice prevalent in the American South during the Jim Crow era formed the strong exigence for this novel.
"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck: The Great Depression and the plight of migrant workers served as the powerful exigence driving Steinbeck's narrative.

Exigence and Audience

The writer's awareness of their audience is also intertwined with exigence. The writer tailors their message and approach based on who they are trying to reach. The exigence itself may shape the writer's choice of audience. For instance, a work addressing a highly technical topic might target a specialized audience, while a work aimed at prompting social change may target a wider readership.

Conclusion: The Power of Understanding Exigence

Understanding the exigence of a literary work enriches our understanding and appreciation of it. It allows us to see beyond the surface level and grasp the deeper meaning and purpose of the text. By examining the historical, social, and personal context that shaped the work, we can gain a more nuanced and complete understanding of its significance. Looking for the exigence helps us unlock the urgency, the passion, and the purpose behind the words on the page.