Dhanika Cordova Bedoya Marxist Criticism Maria Avila Sonya Kodzhavakyan Brian Schiavone Dhanika Cordova Bedoya Alexandra Gladkih

What is Marxist theory? Marxist theory is the idea that society will always revolutionize from capitalism to socialism. “Stable societies develop into social systems that ultimately lead to social revolution and the development of a new society.” (Literacy Theory and School of Criticism)

What is Marxist theory? “ The revolution will be led by the working class under the guidance of intellectuals. Once the elite and middle class are overthrown, the intellectuals will compose an equal society where everyone owns everything.” (Literary Theory and Schools of Criticism). This cycle must continue and there will always be conflict between the social classes. This conflict will show up in different art forms such as movies, music and literature.

Marxist theory Marxist theorist often ask “whom does the work benefit?” Is the elite benefiting the most? Or is it the middle class? Marxist critics are also interested in how the working classes are being oppressed?

Applying marxist criticism Then next time you observe a movie ask yourself some questions to see how marxist theory is being applied. What social class is the main character? What is the interaction between the different social classes? What values are being portrayed?

Alice in Wonderland Red Queen vs. White Queen

The power struggle in Alice in Wonderland The Red Queen is portrayed as an unfair ruler with many social classes throughout her castle. A revolution is lead for the White Queen to rule over the realm because of her fairness and honesty. One of the main objectives of the movie is to free the people from the Red Queen.

The Hunger Games

The Theory of The Hunger Games District 12 The movie clearly shows a distinction between the elite and working class. The Capital has the power in this movie and controls all the districts. The working class is forced to participate in the hunger games for entertainment. A revolution is led by intellectuals in the working class to establish a socialist society.

The Great Gatsby

Great Gatsby through Marxist Theory Lense Wealth is distinguished between the social classes Capitalism The rich have more power. There are different dimensions of power among the wealthy. Money makes you who you are, the things each character owns displays how much power they have in society.

Titanic

Marxist theory in Titanic This movie shows the difference between social classes as well as their conflict. Class struggle: On the ocean liner Titanic the upper-class passengers live in luxury on the upper decks while the poor are confined below and the sailor- workers work hard. As disaster strikes, the ship's officers lock the poor and workers below to drown, while the too-few lifeboats are filled only with the rich. Director’s view towards high class.

Marxist theory in Titanic Driven by the insatiable drive for profit-just as the ship's owners were driven to go full-speed ahead to reach their destination early, the capitalists can't help investing, expanding and speculating even when the icebergs of market and currency failures are right there in clear sight, dead ahead.

Armageddon Dan Truman (NASA director) vs. Harry (deep core driller)

Marxist Theory in “Armageddon” This movie is a clear example of class conflict. The higher positioned nasa director abuses his power while controlling the people beneath his rank. Fear is used to control the lower ranks. The higher ranking directors are based safely at home while the others risks their lives to save the world.