Reading Lit Period 2 Mini-Lectures + Class

What does liberal humanism propose about literature according to Matthew Arnold?

Literature provides meaning in life and authentic reflections on existence, serving as a substitute for religion.

According to liberal humanist assumptions, what constitutes 'true culture'?

True culture is timeless and reveals universal truths about human nature and conditions.

What did early 20th century practical and new criticism aim to achieve in relation to literature?

They applied liberal humanist ideas innovatively while avoiding the intentional and affective fallacies, focusing on text through close reading.

What is the definition of defamiliarization in literature?

Making something familiar perceived as strange to enhance perception through literature.

What is a key difference between liberal humanism and modern theoretical approaches?

Modern approaches recognize that meaning is contingent on context and that there is no absolute neutrality in interpretation.

How does Foucault's concept of discourse relate to knowledge and power?

Discourse is interconnected claims that produce fields of knowledge, where knowledge equates to power by creating norms and controls.

What are the key characteristics of postcolonial theory?

Challenges universal claims by showing cultural differences, seeking to empower marginalized voices and interrogate colonial perspectives.

What is the significance of the term 'hybridity' in postcolonial studies?

Hybridity refers to the blending of cultures that can subvert colonial authority and create new identity strategies.

How does queer theory expand on traditional feminist perspectives?

Queer theory rejects the essentialism of female experience by focusing on sexuality and the fluidity of identity.

What does ecocriticism examine in literary texts?

It analyzes representations of nature, questions anthropocentrism, and emphasizes the reality of ecological interconnectedness.

What is the importance of the creature in Frankenstein from a poststructuralist perspective?

The creature embodies the tension between societal norms and the struggle for acceptance, reflecting marginalization and identity crisis.

How does Mary Shelley use the character of Victor to explore themes of control and nature?

Victor represents humanity's attempt to dominate nature, yet ultimately fails as the creature symbolizes the uncontrollable forces of life.

What is Structuralism in literary theory?

Structuralism is an approach that views literature as a system of underlying structures, focusing on language, relationships, and systems of signs.

Who is considered one of the founders of Structuralism?

Ferdinand de Saussure is considered one of the founders of Structuralism, especially for his ideas on language and semiotics.

What does the term 'signifier' mean in Structuralism?

The 'signifier' refers to the form of a word or expression, which represents the concept that it denotes.

What is a 'signified' in the context of Structuralism?

The 'signified' is the concept or meaning that is represented by the signifier.

How does Structuralism view the relationship between text and meaning?

Structuralism argues that meaning is derived from the relationship between signs in a text rather than from the intentions of the author.

What role does binary opposition play in Structuralism?

Binary opposition refers to pairs of contrasting concepts (e.g., good/evil) that help structure human understanding and narratives.

What does the term 'intertextuality' imply in Structuralism?

Intertextuality suggests that texts are interconnected and derive meaning through their relationships with other texts.

How does Structuralism differ from Formalism?

While both focus on the text itself, Structuralism emphasizes broader systems and cultural contexts, whereas Formalism prioritizes the form and structure of a single text.

What is the significance of 'narrative structure' in Structuralism?

Narrative structure studies how a story is organized, focusing on plot devices and the ways in which they create meaning.

What critiques have been directed at Structuralism?

Critiques include its tendency to oversimplify meaning, neglect the role of the author and historical context, and its rigidity in categorizing texts.

What is Jacques Derrida known for in literary theory?

Jacques Derrida is known for developing the concept of deconstruction, a critical approach that seeks to reveal the instability of meaning in texts.

How does Derrida's concept of 'différance' contribute to post-structuralism?

'Différance' refers to the idea that meaning is always deferred and never fully present, highlighting the fluidity and complexity of language.

What does deconstruction aim to achieve in literary analysis?

Deconstruction aims to expose contradictions and ambiguities within a text, challenging traditional interpretations and revealing hidden meanings.

How does Derrida view the relationship between text and meaning?

Derrida believes that meaning is not fixed but is constructed through a web of differences and relationships among signs.

What is the significance of 'binary oppositions' in Derrida's work?

Derrida critiques binary oppositions (such as presence/absence) for creating hierarchies in thought, urging a reconsideration of their roles in meaning-making.

What role does paradox play in Derrida's philosophy?

Paradox is embraced by Derrida as it reveals the limitations of language and the complexities of meaning, showcasing that texts can have multiple interpretations.

How does Derrida's approach challenge traditional literary criticism?

Derrida's deconstruction challenges traditional literary criticism by questioning the stability of meaning and the authority of the author.

What is 'logocentrism' according to Derrida?

Logocentrism is the emphasis on logos (word/reason) as the primary source of meaning, which Derrida critiques for privileging certain interpretations.

How does Derrida incorporate the concept of 'the trace' in his theories?

'The trace' refers to the remnants of meaning left by absent signs, illustrating how language is always influenced by what is not present.

In what ways did Derrida's ideas influence contemporary literary theory?

Derrida's ideas influenced contemporary literary theory by promoting concepts of intertextuality, plurality of meaning, and the destabilization of traditional narratives.