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Objectives Today I will learn… How to view and annotate a text with a specific literary lens. How to choose an independent reading novel. I will know I have learned this when… I am able to use the Marxist Lens to analyze a given text. I am able to choose a novel for an independent reading unit.

Vocabulary Marxism: the political and economic theories of Karl Marx Capitalism: an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state. Aristocrat: a person of higher stature who has the tastes, manners, etc., characteristic of a wealthy person. Class: the system of ordering a society in which people are divided into sets based on perceived social or economic status. Middle-class: the social group between the upper and working classes, including professional and business workers and their families.

Who was Karl Marx? Not on notes Born in Trier, Germany in 1818 German philosopher who rejected the popular belief for the idea of “dialectical materialism.” Criticized the injustice inherent in the European class/capitalist system of economics operating in the 19th Century. Believed that capitalism allowed the bourgeoisie to benefit at the expense of the workers. Wrote The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, analyzing the capitalist form of wealth production and its consequences for culture.

What is Marxist Criticism? Focuses more on social and political elements Based on the theories of Karl Marx, this lens focuses on class differences, [economic and otherwise], social and political issues, as well as the implications and complications of the capitalist system. Interested in answering the overarching question, whom does the work benefit? The elite? The middle class? And Marxists critics are also interested in how the lower or working classes are oppressed - in everyday life and in literature.

Questions to ask What is the social class of the author? Which class do the characters represent? What values does the text reinforce or undermine? How do characters from different classes interact or conflict within the story? Does the work support the economic and social status quo, or does it advocate change? What does the work say about oppression; or are social conflicts ignored or blamed elsewhere? How do characters overcome oppression?

Short “Story” Independent Practice Now, as a class, we are going to watch “Yertle The Turtle,” written by Doctor Seuss. While we watch the cartoon, take notes on examples you find focused on class, using the Marxist Lens.

Review Objectives Homework: Must have independent novel by Tuesday (B)/Wednesday (A) before break. Today I will learn… How to view and annotate a text with a specific literary lens. How to choose an independent reading novel. I will know I have learned this when… I am able to use the Marxist Lens to analyze a given text. I am able to choose a novel for an independent reading unit.