criticism

Post-Structuralism / Deconstruction

Post-structuralism challenges the idea that texts have a fixed meaning. It argues that meaning is always shifting, and deconstruction analyzes how texts reveal contradictions.

Post structuralism example

Example: A deconstructionist reading of Frankenstein critiques science while celebrating scientific discovery.

Gender and Queer Theory

This approach examines how literature reflects, reinforces, or challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality.

Gender and Queer Theory example

Example: In analyzing Orlando by Virginia Woolf, a gender and queer theorist might focus on how the novel's protagonist shifts between genders over time.

Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory focuses on the role race plays in literature, particularly in how texts reflect or challenge racism and white supremacy.

Critical Race Theory example

Example: In Beloved by Toni Morrison, a critical race theorist would examine how the novel addresses the trauma of slavery, the dehumanization of Black people, and the historical legacy of racism.

New Historicism

New Historicism analyzes literature in relation to the historical and cultural contexts in which it was written, arguing that the text cannot be separated from its historical moment.

New Historicism example

Example: A New Historicist reading of The Tempest would examine the colonial themes in the play, focusing on how Shakespeare reflects the English colonialist mindset in the 16th century.

Cultural Studies

Cultural studies looks at literature in relation to culture and society, often focusing on issues of class, race, gender, and power.

Cultural Studies example

Example: In examining The Godfather novel by Mario Puzo, a cultural studies approach might analyze how the book reflects Italian-American identity, mafia culture, and issues of family and loyalty, while also engaging with larger

American cultural concerns about power, masculinity, and capitalism.

Postcolonial Criticism (1990s onward)

Postcolonial criticism examines the effects of colonialism on both the colonized and colonizers. It focuses on issues like identity, power, race, and the aftermath of colonization.

Postcolonial Criticism (1990s onward) eg

Example: In Things Fall Apart, postcolonial critics would examine how the novel challenges colonial narratives by emphasizing the devastating impact of European colonization on African cultures.

Ecocriticism

Ecocriticism examines the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how nature is represented and how human interaction with the natural world is portrayed.

Ecocriticism e.g

Example: In Silent Spring, an ecocritical approach would analyze how the text critiques the human-caused ecological destruction.

Disability Studies

Disability studies examines how literature portrays disability and how such representations shape societal attitudes and perceptions.

Disability Studies e.g

Example: In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, a disability studies perspective might focus on how Christopher’s autism is depicted.

Posthumanism

Posthumanism explores the relationship between humans, technology, and non-human entities.

Posthumanism e.g

Example: In Never Let Me Go, posthumanist critics would focus on the ethical questions surrounding the clones and their role in society.

Transnationalism

Transnationalism emphasizes the movement of people, ideas, and cultures across national boundaries. It looks at how literature reflects globalization and cross-cultural interactions.

Transnationalism e.g

Example: In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, a transnationalist critique might explore the ways in which the novel deals with the experiences of migration, exile, and the interconnection of Afghan culture with the broader global context.

Cognitive Literary Theory

It studies how human cognition and emotion influence the way we interpret stories.

Cognitive Literary Theory e.g

Example: A cognitive reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone might focus on, examining why readers feel emotionally connected to Harry’s journey.