Critical Lenses Theories - Test Review

Marxist Criticism

A critical theory based on the ideas of Karl Marx that focuses on class differences, particularly in the context of economic structures and societal power dynamics.

Karl Marx

A German philosopher, economist, and social scientist who laid the foundation for Marxist theory, emphasizing the struggle between different social classes.

Class Differences

The distinctions and inequalities between social classes, particularly in terms of wealth, power, and access to resources.

Capitalist System

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit, which Marxist criticism often critiques for perpetuating class disparities.

Material Dialect

A concept in Marxist thinking that highlights the role of material conditions, particularly economic factors, in driving historical change and societal development.

Socialism

An economic and political system where the means of production are owned collectively by the people, often seen as the end goal of Marxist revolution to replace capitalism.

Proletariat

The working class in society, who Marx believed would play a central role in the revolutionary overthrow of the bourgeoisie.

Archetypal Criticism

A critical theory that focuses on identifying narrative designs, character types, and images known as archetypes in literature, myths, dreams, and social behavior.

Archetypes

Universal, primitive, and elemental patterns in literature that evoke profound responses from readers, with specific genres associated with specific catalogues of images or image patterns.

Tragic Hero

An archetype representing a character of noble stature who faces a downfall due to a tragic flaw.

Wise Old Man

An archetype embodying wisdom and guidance, often serving as a mentor to the protagonist.

Trickster

An archetype characterized by deceit and cunning behavior, challenging societal norms.

Hero's Journey

A narrative archetype where the protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, and undergoes transformation.

Postcolonial Criticism

A critical theory that examines the impact of colonial powers on native peoples, focusing on literature produced in former colonies of European powers like Britain, France, and Spain.

Decolonization

The process of removing or undoing colonial elements, often explored by postcolonial critics to analyze the relationship between native peoples and colonizers.

Misuse of Power

Refers to the exploitation and abuse of power by colonial forces over native populations, a key focus of postcolonial criticism.

Dehumanization

The act of depriving individuals or groups of their human qualities, often seen in the process of colonization where native populations were marginalized and their cultures devalued.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture and behaviors of another group, often forced upon native populations by colonial powers.

Cultural Identity

The sense of belonging to a particular culture or group, which undergoes change and redefinition in postcolonial contexts as native peoples navigate the aftermath of colonization.

Curious George

An example used in postcolonial criticism to analyze the relationship between the colonizer (man in the yellow hat) and the colonized (George the monkey), highlighting themes of civilization and displacement.

Critical Race Theory

A theoretical framework that examines the appearance of race and racism across dominant cultural modes of expression, aiming to understand systemic racism and challenge beliefs and practices that enable racism to persist.

Social construction

The idea that race is a product of social thought and relations, not biology or genetics, emphasizing that race is a social invention.

Institutionalized racism

Systemic ways in which dominant society restricts a racialized individual or group's access to opportunities.

The Help

A novel by Kathryn Stockett where characters of color are given voice and agency through storytelling to fight against racial prejudice.

Systemic racism

The ways in which racism is ingrained in societal systems and structures, impacting the experiences and opportunities of racialized individuals or groups.

Existentialist Criticism

A philosophical approach, notably advocated by Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, that sees individuals as isolated beings in a universe devoid of inherent truth, value, or meaning.

Absurd

A term used in existentialism to describe existence in a world lacking intrinsic meaning or truth.

Authenticity

Making choices based on personal ethics rather than societal pressures, with inauthentic choices being those made simply because they are conventional.

Feminist Criticism

A critical theory that examines literature through the lens of gender dynamics, power structures, and representation of women.

Cinderella

She defines girls' first choice for a romantic partner, the structures of friendship and obedience that girls are trained to uphold, unconditional family love and, not least, ideals of personal appearance.

Cultural Criticism

The analysis and interpretation of cultural artifacts or phenomena.

Critical Lens Theory

A theoretical framework through which to examine and interpret texts or cultural phenomena.

Culture

The abstract values, beliefs, and perceptions of the world that influence behavior and interpretations.

Cultural Lens

A perspective that allows for the exploration of race and culture within a text.

Diaspora

The dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland.

Multiculturalism

The presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society.

Acculturation

The process of cultural change that occurs when two cultures come into contact.

Assimilation

The process by which a person or a group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group.

Modernization

The process of social change whereby traditional ways of living give way to new, more advanced ways.

National Character

The perceived behavioral norms and values associated with a particular country.

Archetypal Criticism Story

“Marker on the Side of the Boat” by Bao Ninh

Post Colonial Criticism Story

“The Voices of Adamo” by Margaret Laurence

Critical Race Theory Story

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin

Feminist Criticism Story

“The Shinning Houses” by Alice Munro

Existential Criticism Story

“Dressing Up for the Carnival” by Carol Shields

Cultural Criticism Story

“The Spaces Between Stars” by Geeta Kothari

Marxist Criticism Story

“Two Words” by Isabel Allende