1. Literary Criticism

2. Literary Criticism describes the study, discussion, evaluation and interpretation of literature through critical approaches.

4. What is literary theory exactly?
To interpret something means that we make sense of something
To make sense of a new text we try to relate it to what we already know
When we can’t integrate something into our existing system of understanding, we say it is too difficult
We don’t discover meaning as much as we construct meaning (within the parameters a writer provides)

5. In essence…
the manner on which a person, the critic, discusses or analyzes a work of literature

6. 1. Formalist
Formalist critics believe that meaning is solely found in the text - believe in intense formal analysis - are interested in the structures and patterns of literature (imagery, symbols) - reject the role of reader and personal associations Doesn’t require much research Emphasizes value of literature itself

7. So Formalist critics consider….
Diction
Sentence structure
Paragraph structure
Dialogue
Style (how the words are used)
Narrator
Tone
Setting
Character
Plot
Symbolism
theme

8. 2. Reader Response
Believes the role of the reader in creating the meaning of the text (text has NO meaning until it is read)
values personal associations of the reader
talks about meaning from the “interpretive community” (i.e. the role of the implied reader)
extends the importance of what is discussed beyond structures of the text
is concerned more with themes and social meanings
Recognizes differences of interpretations, but is very subjective

9. 3. Historical
Historical criticism puts the work in the context of its period of writing and looks at the ideas and manner of writing in the time period
Necessary to know author’s life and times to truly understand the work

10. 4. Feminist Concerned with the impact of gender on writing and reading
Frequently critiques patriarchal culture
Concerned with women writers
May argue that gender determines everything
…or just the opposite, that all gender differences are imposed by society, and gender determines nothing

11. 5. Marxist
Stresses the importance of discussing the text as a reflection of social class definitions, are interested in stereotyping by race or class,
(may overlap with feminist critics)

12. Marxist… continued… CONSIDERS:
Exploitation of the proletariat by the ruling few
Bourgeoisie – property owning and controlling class in conflict with the proletariat
Alienation
Oppression by the system, the state
WHO HAS THE POWER?

13. 6.Psychoanalytic Psychological analysis of a text
Most often – Freudian

14. Freudian
Psychological analysis of a text where the critic looks for hidden or symbolic representations of the unconscious
Concave images = feminine symbols(ponds, flowers, cups, caves)
Phallic images - male symbols (towers, mountain peaks, knives)
Dancing, riding, flying = related to sexual pleasure
stresses the role of the sexual drive in human motivation
talks about the id, the ego and the superego
(efforts to balance the claims of society versus the claims of the instincts)

15. ID
The pleasure principle
The unconscious part of the brain that wants immediate gratification of all desires
EGO
The reality principle, rational governing agent of the psyche
Allows gratification of desires in socially and morally acceptable ways
SUPEREGO
Moral principle
Acts to perfect and civilize our behaviour

16. 7. Archetypal (Jungian)
-finds patterns of myth and other typical structures that classify the genre or type of work
Assumes that there is a collection of symbols, images, characters, motifs (archetypes) that evoke basically the same response in all people
Carl Jung – humankind “collective consciousness” contains all of these archetypes that are common to all humanity
Archetypes believed to be source for much of literature

18. Upon seeing an orange
What weather patterns and harvesting methods at the time influenced the orange?
What possibilities are available to a woman who eats the orange? to a man?
Who owns the orange? Who gets to eat it?
What does the orange taste like? What does the orange remind us of?
Historical theory asks:
Feminist theory asks:
Marxist theory asks:
Reader Response theory asks: