Literary Theory and Criticism

ELA Test- September 23rd

What is Literary Theory

The different ways a reader can interpret literature. “Different lenses that a person can use to view and talk about art, literature, and even culture.”

How do I use Literary Theories?

You are looking for details that would interest people reading from each perspective. These details could be large, such as characters and major events. They can also be very subtle, such as clothing, furnishing, hobbies, or work, speech/ grammer, ect. It becomes a more interesting way to examine and discuss literature, as it brings new perspectives to the table. 

Feminist Literary Theory

The feminist Literary Theory also looks at gender roles is society for both men and woman. 

Critical Feminist Theory questions

1. How is the relationship between men and women prortrayed

2. How are male and female roles defined

3. What barriers or freedom do the characters have as a result of their genders. 

Marxist Criticism

The class difference and the implications of living in those classes in society. Looks at how some parts of our culture are or once were oppressed based on their class and/or held power over others. Looks at how people in a work of literature and reveal a truth about how people live in a society. 

Critical Marxism Questions

1. What social do the character represent

2. How do the characters from different classes interest or conflict 

3. Which barriers or freedom does a character have a result of their social class

4. What values does it reinforce

5. What values does it subvert(subvert means to undermine. So, which values does this piece say are less important?)

Psychoanalytic Theory

Analyzing the role of subconscious psychological drives and impulses in shaping human behavior. Our mind wrestles with our desire, our unconscious conflicts, and reality 

Id

Subconscious part of our mind

It contains our secret, our darkest wishes, and our most intense fears.

Ego

Rational, logical…how we want to be viewed. 

Superego

Moral judgements, right and wrong, both for ourselves and others.