Untitled Flashcards Set

Literary Criticism

The act of interpreting and studying literature, often using various critical approaches or 'lenses'.

Literary Critic

Someone who argues on behalf of an interpretation or understanding of the meaning(s) of literary texts.

Purpose of Literary Criticism

To broaden a reader’s understanding of an author’s work by summarizing, interpreting, and exploring its value.

Formalist Approach

A literary approach that determines the true meaning of a text by analyzing its literary elements and their cohesive functions.

Historical Approach

An approach that understands the historical and cultural conditions influencing the production of a literary work.

Biographical Approach

A form of literary criticism that uses the life, beliefs, and experiences of the author to interpret their work.

Feminist Approach

Focuses on female representation in literature, considering female points of view, concerns, and values.

Reader-Response Approach

Poses that the meaning of a text depends on the readers' responses and interpretations.

Marxist Approach

Examines the relationship of a literary work to the economic and social realities of its time.

Class Stratification

A concept that indicates certain societal tasks are valued more than others.

Class Relations

Concerns authority relationships based on property ownership.

Dominant Ideology

The overarching issues regarding the rich versus the poor.

Queer Approach

Critically examines literature through the lens of gender and sexuality, often challenging the conventional norms of heterosexuality.