Literary Lenses Lecture

Introduction to Philosophy and Math

  • Critical theory as a philosophical system

    • Typically taught at the graduate level, but introduced at the undergraduate level

    • Philosophical systems encompass certain rules and assumptions

  • Mathematics as a philosophical system

    • Defined as a deductive philosophical system

    • Relies on axioms, which are unprovable, needing faith

  • Importance of assumptions

    • All philosophical systems contain assumptions or postulates

    • No system is inherently more true than another

Assumptions in Everyday Life

  • Assumptions are often invisible until violated

    • Example: Oreo cookies with orange juice versus milk

    • Cultural norms dictate our assumptions about pairings (milk with cookies)

  • Mathematical assumptions: Base 10 as arbitrary

    • Chosen because humans have ten fingers (not necessarily more logical)

    • Comparison of base 10 and other bases (like base 12)

    • Example: One third is 0.333... in base 10, an infinite expression that doesn’t match reality

The Nature of Criticism

  • Criticism as a means to judge the alignment of reality with philosophical systems

    • Important in evaluating literature and other texts

    • Texts can include stories, blog posts, videos, or any rhetorical object

  • The act of criticism involves judgment

    • Considerations of effectiveness, theory alignment, and more

Common Literary Theories

  1. Formalist Criticism

    • Focuses solely on the text itself

    • Examination of the structure, meter, rhythm, and linguistic choices of the text

    • Example: Twitter-based writing influenced by its character limit

  2. Marxism

    • Assumes economic and material circumstances influence literature

    • Analysis of class structures (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat)

    • Exploration of class tensions and ideological functions of literature

    • Example: The Great Gatsby’s examination of class dynamics

  3. Gender and Queer Theory

    • Challenges restrictive binary of gender roles

    • Examination of character behaviors relative to gender norms

    • Focus on performance of gender and societal expectations

    • Example: Analysis of Nick Carraway’s character in The Great Gatsby

  4. Postcolonial and Critical Race Theory

    • Focus on systemic issues arising from power imbalances and colonial histories

    • Examination of institutional inequities

    • Example: The British Empire’s influence compared to American perspectives

  5. New Historicism

    • Historical context shapes understanding of texts

    • Consideration of author and reader historical backgrounds

    • Example: Analyzing William Carlos Williams' poem in contrast to Victorian styles

  6. Psychoanalytic Lens

    • Impact of unconscious desires and anxieties on literary texts

    • Utilizes theories from psychology (e.g., Freud, Jung) to analyze characters and themes

Assignment Overview

  • The class will explore the Hegelian dialectic

    • Thesis and antithesis are interconnected (e.g., wealth vs. poverty)

  • Students will work in groups based on shared cultural identities

    • Choose a book that explores the antithesis of the group's identity

    • Prepare a presentation on the chosen book and its cultural implications

  • Aim: To critically analyze literature using a cultural lens while examining societal binaries