1. Marxism; 18 th Century

2. “A political-economical theory that presents a materialist conception of history, a non-capitalist vision of capitalism and other types of society, and a non-religious view of human liberation. At its core, Marxism holds a critical analysis of capitalism and a theory of social change.” Marxism is based on the work of Karl Marx, a nineteenth-century philosopher. Marxists believe that economic and social conditions determine religious beliefs, legal systems and cultural frameworks. Art and Literature should not only represent these conditions truthfully, but also to improve them. What is Marxism?

3. Marxist Ideologies Marx believed that capitalist society is divided into two social classes: -The working class, or proletariat, who sell their labour and do not owns the means of production. -The bourgeoisie, who own the means of production and employ the proletariat. The bourgeoisie may be further subdivided: 1. Wealthy bourgeoisie who do not also need to work themselves 2. Petty bourgeoisie who employ others, but also work themselves.

4. Literature reflects class struggle and materialism: think how often the quest for wealth traditionally defines characters. So Marxists generally view literature "not as works created in accordance with timeless artistic criteria, but as 'products' of the economic and ideological determinants specific to that era" (Abrams 149). Literature reflects an author's own class or analysis of class relations, however piercing or shallow that analysis may be. The Marxist critic simply is a careful reader or viewer who keeps in mind issues of power and money.

5. Macbeth Shakespeare legitimizes established authority and supports Marxist values and beliefs. He supports this theory with the supposition that MacBeth’s ambition and violent behaviour “subverts his world’s natural order, and it results in the ruin of himself and those around him.” If society’s natural condition is harmonious, as those in power tend to assert, Macbeth's undermining of the political order (killing the king), the moral order (his lies and murder), religious order (seeking the witches consult) and male dominated order (by giving into Lady Macbeth’s wishes), it stands to reason that MacBeth is bad and, therefore, must be punished. How else are those in power able to perpetuate their power?

6. According to George Orwell, “Shakespeare liked to stand well with the rich and powerful, and was capable of flattering them in the most servile way. He is also noticeably cautious…in his manner of uttering unpopular opinions. Almost never dos he put a subversive or skeptical remark into the mouth of a character likely to be identified with himself.” (61)

7. What role does class play in the work; what is the author's analysis of class relations? How do characters overcome oppression? In what ways does the work serve as propaganda for the status quo; or does it try to undermine it? What does the work say about oppression; or are social conflicts ignored or blamed elsewhere? Does the work propose some form of utopian vision as a solution to the problems encountered in the work? Marxist questions to consider on literature: