Literary Critical Approaches Review

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding critical approaches in studying literature, including Reader-Response, Biographical, Feminist, Formalistic, Psychological, and Marxist criticisms.

Critical Approaches

Sometimes called "lenses", these are the different perspectives considered when analyzing or interpreting a literary text.

Criticism (Everyday Talk)

Commonly refers to finding fault or being censorious, though a critic can see excellences as well as faults.

Reader-Response Criticism

A critical approach that affirms the meaning of texts depends on how a reader reacts to it, focusing on the process of creating meaning while reading.

Reader-Response Formula

$$\text{Reader} + \text{Reading Situation} + \text{Text} = \text{Meaning}$$

Biographical Approach

A critical approach that focuses on the author's life, background, personal experiences, beliefs, and struggles to understand a literary work.

Feminist Criticism

A lens that examines the role and portrayal of women, gender roles, expectations, inequality, and stereotypes in a literary text.

Formalistic Criticism

An approach where meaning depends solely on the text's form and literary elements (plot, character, setting, etc.), ignoring the author's background and historical context.

Psychological Criticism

An approach based on the theories of Sigmund Freud that examines the thoughts, emotions, and hidden motives of the author or characters.

Id

The part of the personality that seeks immediate pleasure and avoids pain, driven by basic instincts.

Ego

The part of the personality that deals with the practical aspects of life and tries to balance the demands of the id with reality.

Superego

The part of the personality representing moral standards and ideals that aims to control the id's desires.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological tools such as denial or repression used to protect individuals from anxiety and uncomfortable feelings.

Marxist Criticism

An approach based on the political theory of Karl Marx that focuses on economic and political elements, power, money, and social class exploitation.

Function: Analyze

The task of examining the story's elements within the function of criticism.

Function: Interpret

Looking at the text from different perspectives to find deeper meaning.

Function: Evaluate

Judging the quality and effectiveness of a literary work.

Noli Me Tangere (Formalist Symbolism)

The title translates to "Touch Me Not" and symbolizes the social problems that people were afraid to confront.

Crisóstomo Ibarra (Formalist Analysis)

A character in Noli Me Tangere who represents hope for peaceful reform.

Padre Damaso (Formalist Analysis)

A character in Noli Me Tangere who represents the abuse of authority.