Chap 2: Approaches to Interpreting Literature

Definition of Critical Approaches

[concertAIU]

1. analyse literature

2. interpret texts

3. understand meaning

different approaches for different aspect

ASPECTS [AHadRabuSeninGiEsok]

1. Author

2. Historical context

3. Reader

4. Society

5. Gender

6. Environment

Purposes of Critical approaches

[EDAD]

1. enhance critical thinking

2. develop interpretive skills

3. appreciate diverse perspectives

4. develop transferable skills

• analysis

• empathy

• communication

Key Approaches for interpreting Literature

[ForeverHeMustFeelRegretPostEconomic]

1. formalism/new criticism

2. historical approach

3. marxist approach

4. feminist criticism

5. reader-response criticism

6. post colonial criticism

7. ecocriticism

Formalism/New Criticism

1. definition; emphasizes

• form

• structure

• literary devices

2. main principle

• meaning exist within the text itself (author’s life and intention arent necessary)

3. focus areas; [LambatSangatTapiSayaLupaIhhhh]

• language

• structure

• theme

• literary devices

• symbolism

• Imagery

4. educational importance;

• close reading

• textual analysis

• literary devices

5. associated figure

• roman jakobson

• russian linguist (1896-1982)

Historical Approach

1. definition; examines literatures through

• historical context — time period when the text is written

• biographical context — author’s life experience

2. main purpose; [RiCHP] connect lit with

• real-world event

• cultural norms

• historical developments

• personal experiences

3. Educational importances

• understand context

• see relevance

• develop research skills

• experience interdisciplinary learning

Marxist Criticism

1. definition;

• ideas from Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels

• literature — product of society

• literature — a reflection of materials conditions

2. focus areas [CubaPegangErinSat]

• Class

• Power

• Economic Structures

• Social Conditions

3. educational importance; encourages discussions

• social injustice

• equality

• exploitation

• power relationships

Feminist Criticism

1. definition;

• how women are represented in literature

2. focus areas

• gender representation

• gender dynamics

• marginalised voices: giving attention to

— women

— gender minorities

3. educational importance; promotes

• gender awareness

• gender sensitivity

• inclusive thinking

Post-colonial criticism

1. definition;

• examines the effect of collonialism and imperialism

• on cultures, identity and societies

2. focus areas:

• identity

• race

• language

• cultural conflict

• power structures

3. educational importance; broadens understanding on

• global issues

• cultural diversity

• historical inequalities

Ecocriticism

1. definition; relationships between

• human

• nature

• environment

2. focus areas

• nature representation

• environmental issues

• ecological awareness

• sustainability

3. edu importance:

• think abt environmental rensposibility

• reflect on sustainability

• evaluate human impact on nature

Reader-response criticism

1. definition;

• meaning not fixed inside a text

• meaning created through reader and text

2. focus areas

• personal interpretation

• individual experiences

• emotional reactions

3. edu importance;

• active participation

• personal engagement

• confidence in expressing opinions

4. death of the author

• roland barthes

• against relying on author’s identity, experiences, intentions to determine meaning

• reader to create meaning

• author’s explanation x final interpretation

Reader-response in classroom

1. student meaning-making

2. student-centred learning

3. values diversity

4. classroom principles:

• personal experiences matter

• active engagement

• discussion is important

5. practical applications

• transactional reading

— personal experiences

— interpretation process

• - benefits:

— metacognition

— critical thinking

• Classroom discussions

• -benefits:

— peer learning

— communication skills

— respect for perspectives

• Creative responses

— writing

— art

— performance

• -benefits:

— greater engagement

— better understanding