Psychological and Literary Theories

These flashcards cover key concepts from psychological and literary theories, including psychoanalytic, class, and feminist perspectives.

What is the main focus of psychoanalytic theory in literature?

Psychoanalytic theory examines how unconscious desires, childhood experiences, and emotional conflicts shape behavior and the interpretation of literature.

What does repression mean in the context of psychology?

Repression is the blocking of painful or troubling thoughts from consciousness.

What are defense mechanisms?

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies the mind uses to avoid emotional pain, such as denial, projection, and displacement.

How do early experiences influence adult behavior?

Early experiences shape adult personality and behavior, often revealing unresolved emotional conflicts.

What is the concept of repetition in psychological terms?

Repetition refers to the act of repeating harmful behaviors, even if they are destructive, because they feel familiar.

What are recurring issues in psychological conflict?

Recurring issues are psychological conflicts that manifest as fears or insecurities, such as fear of abandonment or low self-esteem.

What does symbolism in dreams often express?

Symbolism in dreams expresses unconscious desires and conflicts.

What does class theory examine in literature?

Class theory examines how socioeconomic systems, class relationships, and power structures shape people and literature.

What is commodification?

Commodification is the treatment of people or relationships as objects with monetary or exchange value.

What is the American Dream according to Marxist critique?

The American Dream is the ideology that hard work leads to success, critiqued by Marxism for masking underlying inequality.

What is the patriarchal system?

The patriarchal system is a structure where men hold power in politics, family, economics, and other areas.

What does objectification refer to in feminist theory?

Objectification refers to the treatment of women as objects for male pleasure or control.

What does the term 'Dichotomy of Good Girl/Bad Girl' refer to?

It refers to patriarchal labels that reward women for proper behavior while shaming independence and sexuality.

What is the Cult of True Womanhood?

The Cult of True Womanhood is a 19th-century ideal that idealizes women's roles as pure, submissive, domestic, and motherly.

How does feminist reading analyze texts?

Feminist reading analyzes how texts uphold or challenge gender stereotypes and the patriarchy.

What is the difference between psychoanalytic and class theories?

Psychoanalytic theory focuses on unconscious emotions, while class theory focuses on class, power, and economics.