Honors Literary Criticism & Story Analysis: Key Lenses, POV, and Themes

What does New Criticism / Formalism focus on?

Meaning comes from the text itself, ignoring author biography and history.

What key questions does the Marxist lens ask?

Who has money and power? Who labors? Who is exploited?

What does the Feminist lens examine?

Gender roles, patriarchy, and women's voice and agency.

What is the focus of the Psychoanalytical lens?

Characters' unconscious drives, fears, and desires drive the story.

What does the Reader-Response lens emphasize?

Meaning is created in the interaction between reader and text.

What does the Historical / New Historicism lens analyze?

A text reflects and shapes the time and culture that produced it.

What is the focus of the Postcolonial / Cultural / Critical Race lens?

Identity, race, heritage, and power between dominant and marginalized cultures.

What does the Archetypal / Mythological lens explore?

Universal patterns (symbols, character types, plots) that recur across cultures.

What does the Biographical lens investigate?

The author's life illuminates the work.

What is the focus of the Deconstruction lens?

Texts contain contradictions that undermine a single fixed meaning.

What is the setting of 'Sweat' by Zora Neale Hurston?

A small, all-Black town in central Florida, early 20th century.

Who is the protagonist in 'Sweat'?

Delia Jones, a hardworking washerwoman.

What symbolizes labor and moral worth in 'Sweat'?

Sweat.

What is the outcome of Sykes's cruelty in 'Sweat'?

He is bitten by the snake he intended to use against Delia.

What does the snake symbolize in 'Sweat'?

Evil, betrayal, and the consequences of Sykes's own cruelty.

What is the main theme of 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson?

The dangers of blindly following tradition.

What is the setting of 'The Lottery'?

An unnamed small American village on June 27, a warm, sunny morning.

What does Tessie Hutchinson protest during the lottery?

That the drawing was not fair and her husband didn't have enough time to choose.

What does the black box represent in 'The Lottery'?

Tradition and the villagers' reluctance to change.

What is the point of view in 'Sweat'?

Third person, largely limited to Delia's perspective.

What literary lens is best suited for analyzing 'Sweat'?

Marxist lens, focusing on economic power and labor.

What does the term 'unreliable narrator' mean?

A narrator whose account cannot be fully trusted due to bias or limited knowledge.

What is the significance of the china-berry tree in 'Sweat'?

It symbolizes the finality of Delia's situation and her emotional state.

What role do the village men play in 'Sweat'?

They serve as a Greek-chorus-like community commenting on Delia's abuse.

What does the term 'patriarchy' refer to in feminist criticism?

A social system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

What does 'cultural ownership' mean in postcolonial criticism?

The examination of how identity is shaped by history and oppression.

What is the significance of the 'squeezed lemon' comparison in 'Sweat'?

It illustrates how Delia is drained and exploited by her abusive marriage.

What does the term 'agency' mean in feminist criticism?

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices.

What happens to Tessie Hutchinson in 'The Lottery'?

Tessie is stoned to death by the villagers, including her own children.

What is a major theme in 'The Lottery'?

Blind adherence to tradition and the dangers of mob mentality.

What does the black box symbolize in 'The Lottery'?

Tradition; it is decaying but remains unquestioned.

Who is Tessie Hutchinson?

The victim of the lottery; she protests her fate only when she is chosen.

What does the act of stoning represent in 'The Lottery'?

Violence and the capacity for brutality in ordinary people.

What is the point of view in 'The Lottery'?

Third person objective, reporting events without entering any character's mind.

What is the significance of the date June 27 in 'The Lottery'?

It ties to the summer solstice and fertility rituals.

What does Dee's name change to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo signify in 'Everyday Use'?

Her rejection of her family's heritage and a claim to a new African identity.

What are the quilts a symbol of in 'Everyday Use'?

Living family history and women's work across generations.

How does Mama's character evolve in 'Everyday Use'?

She stands up to Dee and asserts her understanding of heritage.

What does the butter churn represent in 'Everyday Use'?

Everyday tools as heritage and the connection to family history.

What is the setting of 'The Catbird Seat'?

New York City, in the offices of F & S and Mrs. Barrows's apartment.

What is Erwin Martin's initial plan against Mrs. Barrows?

He plans to murder her with a claw hammer.

What ultimately happens to Mrs. Barrows in 'The Catbird Seat'?

She is taken away for psychological help after accusing Martin.

What does the phrase 'sat in the catbird seat' mean?

Being in an advantageous position.

What theme is explored through Martin's character in 'The Catbird Seat'?

Appearance vs. reality and the power of reputation.

What does the fire symbolize in 'Everyday Use'?

Destruction and Maggie's scars, representing trauma.

What is the narrative style of 'Everyday Use'?

First person, narrated by Mama, which shapes the reader's understanding.

What does the character of Old Man Warner represent in 'The Lottery'?

A fierce defender of tradition and the voice of the status quo.

What is a key conflict in 'Everyday Use'?

The generational conflict between Dee's superficial connection to heritage and Maggie's lived experience.

How does the setting influence the themes in 'Everyday Use'?

The rural Deep South setting reflects the cultural and familial ties to heritage.

What does the character of Hakim-a-barber represent in 'Everyday Use'?

A superficial adoption of culture, highlighting the theme of authenticity.

What is the significance of the yard in 'Everyday Use'?

It represents Mama's kingdom and her connection to the community.

How does the theme of identity manifest in 'Everyday Use'?

Through Dee's name change and her conflict with Mama and Maggie over heritage.

What does the character of Bill Hutchinson represent in 'The Lottery'?

The quiet obedience of individuals who do not defend against injustice.

What is the irony in the ending of 'The Lottery'?

The contrast between the bright weather and the horrific act of violence.

What does the character of Mrs. Delacroix illustrate in 'The Lottery'?

How quickly friendship can give way to conformity and violence.

What does the character of Maggie symbolize in 'Everyday Use'?

The living heritage and the authentic connection to family history.

What is the main theme of 'The Catbird Seat'?

The power dynamics in the workplace and how conformity can be weaponized.

Who is the protagonist in 'The Catbird Seat'?

Erwin Martin, who is methodical and clever but appears meek.

What does the 'catbird seat' symbolize?

Advantage and power.

How does Mrs. Ulgine Barrows disrupt the workplace?

She is loud, domineering, and acts as if she owns the place.

What is the point of view in 'The Catbird Seat'?

Third person limited, focused on Martin's thoughts.

What is the irony at the end of 'The Catbird Seat'?

The meek Martin wins by pretending to be unpredictable.

What is the setting of 'The Story of an Hour'?

The Mallard home, specifically Louise's upstairs room, in late 19th century.

What does Louise Mallard realize after hearing about her husband's death?

She feels a sense of freedom from her marriage.

What is the significance of the open window in 'The Story of an Hour'?

It symbolizes freedom and new possibilities.

What is the main conflict in 'The Story of an Hour'?

The conflict between love and independence.

What is the irony in the doctors' diagnosis at the end of 'The Story of an Hour'?

They claim she died of 'the joy that kills,' while the real cause is her loss of freedom.

What is the best-fit lens for analyzing 'The Story of an Hour'?

Feminist lens, focusing on marriage as a restrictive institution for women.

Who are the main characters in 'The Story of an Hour'?

Louise Mallard, Brently Mallard, Josephine, and Richards.

What does the heart trouble symbolize in 'The Story of an Hour'?

Both physical and emotional constraints imposed by marriage.

What literary device is prominent in both 'The Catbird Seat' and 'The Story of an Hour'?

Irony.

What does the phrase 'Are you a man or a mouse?' signify in 'The Catbird Seat'?

Masculinity and taunting.

What does the character of Sykes represent in 'Sweat'?

An abusive husband who brings chaos into Delia's life.

How does the setting influence the themes in 'The Story of an Hour'?

The confined setting reflects Louise's restricted life and her yearning for freedom.

What is the role of Josephine in 'The Story of an Hour'?

She is protective of Louise but misinterprets her emotional response.

What does the armchair symbolize in 'The Story of an Hour'?

A place of introspection and the moment of self-recognition for Louise.

What is the significance of the character Mr. Fitweiler in 'The Catbird Seat'?

He represents the naive management that is easily influenced by others.

What does the term 'repressed violence' refer to in the context of 'The Catbird Seat'?

The claw hammer symbolizes the underlying aggression of Martin against Mrs. Barrows.

What is the outcome for Louise Mallard at the end of 'The Story of an Hour'?

She dies after discovering her husband is alive, highlighting the tragic irony of her situation.

What is the thematic focus of 'Sweat' by Zora Neale Hurston?

The struggles of a woman facing domestic abuse and societal expectations.

What does the character of Brently Mallard represent in 'The Story of an Hour'?

The institution of marriage and the lack of self-determination for women.

What literary lens best fits the analysis of 'The Catbird Seat'?

Psychoanalytical lens, focusing on Martin's repressed rage and clever planning.

What does Delia's labor symbolize in 'Sweat'?

Delia's labor symbolizes her self-respect, moral high ground, and the ownership of her home.

What is the significance of the rattlesnake in 'Sweat'?

The rattlesnake symbolizes evil and betrayal, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.

How does the setting in 'The Lottery' contrast with its ending?

The sunny, pleasant setting contrasts sharply with the shocking violence of the ending.

What does the quilt symbolize in 'Everyday Use'?

The quilt represents living heritage and the connection between generations.

What is ironic about Dee's view of the quilts?

Dee values the quilts for their monetary worth, while they are meant for everyday use.

Which lens focuses on the conflict between worker and exploiter in 'Sweat'?

The Marxist lens.

What does the term 'scapegoat' refer to in the context of 'The Lottery'?

Tessie is seen as a scapegoat in an ancient ritual tied to fertility and harvest.

What narrative perspective is used in 'Everyday Use'?

First-person narration from Mama's perspective.

How does the third-person objective point of view affect 'The Lottery'?

It creates a calm, detached tone that makes the violence more shocking.

What does the character of Mrs. Barrows represent in the feminist lens?

Mrs. Barrows is discredited because she holds power in a male-dominated workplace.

What is the main theme explored through the character of Louise Mallard in 'The Story of an Hour'?

The theme of autonomy and the cost of being denied freedom in marriage.

What does the phrase 'catbird seat' imply?

It refers to a position of advantage.

What is the effect of Mama's subjective narration in 'Everyday Use'?

It may lead to biases in her portrayal of Dee and Maggie.

How does the ending of 'The Story of an Hour' convey irony?

The doctors claim she died of joy, but the reader understands it was the loss of her newfound freedom.

Which lens would analyze the themes of gender and power in 'Sweat'?

The feminist lens.

What does the character of Martin represent in 'The Catbird Seat'?

Martin uses his dull reputation as a weapon against Mrs. Barrows.

What is the role of foreshadowing in 'The Lottery'?

Children gathering stones foreshadows the violent conclusion of the story.

How do Dee and Maggie differ in their connection to heritage?

Maggie understands and uses the quilts, while Dee views them as art and a fashion statement.