Abstract:

 Totality, significant in overcoming the reification of capitalism, is the core concept that runs through Lukacs'early and midterm thoughts. Lukacs perceived totality within the framework of subjectobject relationship. In his early thoughts, he argued that totality can only be created through subjective formgiving in the light of NeoKantianism that separates subjects and objects. In History and Class Consciousness, by means of identifying proletariats as both the subjects and the object of history, Lukacs revealed the totality as the real reality of capitalist society, thus laying the foundation for his realistic literary theory in the midterm period. Realistic literature must reflect the totality of reality and reveal the true structure and real power of history. However, Lukacs’ failure to go beyond the logic of subject priority incurs questionings about his theory of totality.

Key words: totality, formgiving, history, realism, Lukacs