When one asks the question of what theory is or is not, there is a quick reaction to just give the definition.
Well,theory |ˈθēərē; ˈθi(ə)rē|
noun ( pl. -ries)
a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, esp. one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained : Darwin's theory of evolution.
• a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based : a theory of education | music theory.
• an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action : my theory would be that the place has been seriously mismanaged.
• Mathematics a collection of propositions to illustrate the principles of a subject
If one was to base their answer off the definition, there would be a limitation as to what theories can be applied to a subject so pliable as literature. Yet, some of these definitions can be applied in a general sense. Take for example: A system of ideas to explain something then we have to consider Killer's death explanations as theory, correct?
If we have a theory then evidence should follow to give that theory some validation. If the theory is just a group of ideas, then we would have millions of theories and not millions of ideas. I think theory separates itself from the idea with evidence. Such as the definition, theory can be an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action. If we were seeking an authors meaning behind a text, then an idea will lead us to find a "situation" that would elucidate the course of action. The theory may not be correct, but at least it has some substance with a clear direction of how the idea prompted the thought process.
