literary criticism

Archetypal Criticism

Focuses on recurring character archetypes in literature.

Archetype

Original form concept from Plato, signifies recurring themes.

Karl Jung

Psychoanalyst who linked archetypes to collective unconscious.

Collective Unconscious

Shared unconscious mind containing archetypes across cultures.

Northrop Frye

Critic who removed psychology from archetypal analysis.

Myth Criticism

Restores spiritual content to literature through myth analysis.

Comedy

Genre associated with the spring season in Frye's theory.

Romance

Genre linked to summer, involves quest themes.

Tragedy

Autumn genre, often involves downfall of characters.

Irony/Satire

Winter genre, critiques societal norms and behaviors.

Central Unifying Myth

Theme that ties together various literary elements.

Dragon-killing Theme

Quest narrative where hero defeats a monster.

Leviathan

Symbol of chaos and social sterility in literature.

Feminine Stage

Women imitate male roles in patriarchal societies.

Feminist Stage

Women protest against patriarchal standards.

Female Stage

Self-discovery phase for women seeking identity.

Metis

Intelligence or cunning, exemplified by female characters.

Id

Instinct-driven part of the mind seeking pleasure.

Ego

Rational part negotiating between id and superego.

Superego

Represents societal morals and parental standards.

Thanatos

Death drive manifesting as aggression towards others.

Eros

Life drive associated with survival and desire.

Dialectic Materialism

Marx's theory linking material conditions to ideology.

Base

Mode of production in society's economic structure.

Superstructure

Cultural aspects like art and ideology built on base.

Hegemony

Dominance of one class over another in society.

Class Consciousness

Awareness of one's social position and class.

Subaltern

Exploited groups lacking awareness of their oppression.

Mass Culture

Represents upper class interests disguised as popular culture.

Overdetermination

Phenomenon arising from multiple influencing factors.

RSA

Repressive State Apparatus maintaining order through force.

ISA

Ideological State Apparatus shaping cultural beliefs.

William Blake

Poet known for the phrase 'mind forg'd manacles'.