0. A Very Short Introduction
Literary Criticism:
A Very Short Introduction

1. The Differences
When one talks about criticism, there are two distinct branches of it in literature:
To analyze a text critically; to look for symbols, hidden meanings, and deeper understandings.
Literary Criticism: Different methods of analyzing texts based upon belief systems and cultural backgrounds.

2. Think of it as Lenses
In literary criticism, these different methods of analyses are called lenses, or lens for its singular form.
Imagine that each lens represents
a different analytical style or
worldview. Lenses can be
combined or stand alone.

3. Lens and Theory Another name for a lens is
a theory. I personally prefer
lens because it lends itself
well to making analogies.
However, theory is the more
correct term.

4. Still Confused?... Here Are Some Examples:
Feminist Literary Theory/Lens
Feminism focuses on the female psyche and female body in literature.
It has transformed from the study of women into much larger topics like gender and sexuality as embodied in literature.
Feminist Theory, and feminism, has gone through three distinct waves, each one more open about its definition of feminism than the last.

5. Feminist Theory Gave Rise To:
Cultural Studies
Combines many literary theories, including feminism, to construct a model for literary analysis which empowers those individuals who have been ignored by mainstream literary criticism.
Integrates multiple cultures into a singular vision of unity.
Studies how mass culture, the dominant culture, imposes beliefs and views upon the less dominant culture.
Lastly, cultural studies is not STRICTLY a form of literary criticism because it can be use in so many different fields: sociology, anthropology, film studies, etc.

6. The Economics of Words Marxist Literary Theory
Not to be confused with Marxist and Communist beliefs, Marxist Literary Theory focuses on the economics behind literature through themes, forms, and ideology.
Explores the tension between literature as a work of art and as a work of commerce. Can the two coexist?
Focuses on individual characters who are downtrodden and are deeply affected by the cogs of industry, which is everyone.
Is a politicized form of literary analysis which seeks out trends that define past and current generations. For example: Mr. Zhao’s generation is self-centered and self- promoting.

7. Form Over Function Formalism
Mary Ann Cain says “formalism asserts that the text stands on its own as a complete entity, apart from the writer who produced it.”
Was prominent in the post-war years, 1940’s-1970’s.
Focuses exclusively on an author’s use of forms: meter, tropes, metaphors, similes, grammar, syntax, diction, etc.
Completely ignores analysis of the author’s intent or the historical importance of a text; the text exists in a vacuum.