Claustrism Cultural Morphology A Literary Theory Framework

This paper aims to construct and systematically elaborate an original literary theory framework named "Claustrism Cultural Morphology." Grounded in the philosophical basis of human existential "mediacy," this theory views literary works as "cognitive-practical interfaces"—or "claustra"—composed of technology, language, power, and historicity. The core theoretical innovation lies in introducing two sets of analytical categories: "rule transparency" and "structural plasticity," based on which a dualistic, four-quadrant typological model is constructed to systematically explain the fundamental differences in deep narrative logic, character dynamics, and overall aesthetic ideology across different literary genres and texts. The paper first establishes the philosophical lineage and methodological principles of the framework, then details its typological construction, and through case studies of Western canonical literature, focuses on examining the different paths of "system transformation" in narrative worlds and their effects on reception aesthetics. Ultimately, it argues that this theory not only provides a meta-language with strong integrative power for cross-genre, cross-era literary criticism but also deepens our understanding of literary works as core responses to the human condition of mediated existence.