1. Schools of Literary Theory
Literary Criticism
Schools of Literary Theory

2. What is Literary Criticism?
The study, analysis, and evaluation of a work of literature
Each school of criticism uses a different focus or angle of analysis
Source: Purdue Owl Writing Lab

3. What Purpose does it serve?
Viewing literature through these different angles can:
reveal deep or hidden meaning in a work
identify the cultural values or beliefs within a novel or play
relate the work to themes in other literature and the world beyond

4. The First Critics Plato – The Moralist View
Worthwhile literature must contain a moral or virtuous lesson
Aristotle – Dramatic Construction
Effective literature or drama must have a satisfying plot structure, the proper balance of conflict, character development and resolution
These schools of thought are the basis and beginnings of the discipline of criticism.

5. Reader-Response Theory (Deconstructionalist)
This theory maintains that meaning is created by the reader’s interaction with text, not text itself.
Every reader can have a different response and each is valid based on his/her life experiences.
A reader’s interpretation of the same text might change over time and circumstance
However, these interpretations must still be validated and arguable through examples from the text.

6. Text-based Theory (Structuralist)
This school focuses on the work itself and ignores any and all outside factors, including the author’s life, time period in which it was written, and reader response
The meaning and interpretation of the text is found within the words, plot, and characters of the novel itself.
Readers may change, but the text does not.

7. New Historicism (Context-based)
Main Idea: Cultural and Historical Studies
Critics Ask:
How does the work reflect the culture of the time in which it was written?
What is the author’s take on the event/time?
How does the work portray or criticize the political leaders of the time?
Does the work address marginalized peoples?

8. Post-Colonial Criticism
Main Idea: Views on Colonialism & its aftermath from both sides of the issue
How does the text represent colonial issues?
What does the text reveal about cultural differences between the peoples?
What problems of the post-colonial era are addressed and what solutions are proposed?
Does the text reinforce or undermine Western cultural beliefs?

9. Psychoanalytic Criticism
Main Idea: Psychology of the Characters/Author
Builds on the theories of Sigmund Freud:
Unconscious Desires and Fears and Defense Mechanisms (repressed memory, denial, regression, fear of intimacy…)
Id (desire, pleasure), Ego (conscious, rational), Superego (unconscious, internal morality)
Oedipus Complex – relationship with the mother leads to competition between child and father

10. Psychoanalytic Theory Applied to Literature
Critics look for the following in the work as a whole or the characters:
Repression and Fears from Childhood
Family Dynamics and Power Struggle (Oedipal)
Psychological state of the Author
Psychological effects and motives of the reader

11. Marxist Criticism Main Idea: Class Struggle, Economics
Based on the theories of Karl Marx:
Oppression of the working class
How the elite class benefits from that oppression
Evils of capitalism
Virtues of Socialism (common ownership of goods and even distribution of wealth)

12. Marxist Criticism and Literature
Critics ask:
What social class is represented in a positive light?
What economic values are reinforced?
How do the characters from different classes interact? Conflict?
What social class will benefit if this novel is well-received?

13. Feminist Criticism
Main Idea: How does the work represent women and their equality to men?
How are male and female roles defined?
What are the power relationships between men and women?
How does the work portray sisterhood and the power of women working together?
What does the work reveal about the economic and social effects of patriarchy?

14. African-American Criticism
Main Idea: How does this work depict African-American characters and culture?
How are the politics of race portrayed?
Do the characters reflect Eurocentric or Afrocentric cultural traits?
If written by a white author – how does this work reveal the attitudes of white Americans toward black Americans?
How does the work empower African-Americans?
How are economic and psychological issues affected by race in this work?

15. Criticism Assignment -
In your group, read the article you are assigned.
Highlight/underline the details from the play that this critic focuses on.
Mark the elements that you agree or disagree with or that you have questions about.
We will discuss it together.

16. Writing about Criticism
1) Summarize the thesis of the article in a couple of sentences. (“In her article ___ Jane Doe argues…”) 2) Summarize one or two key points made in the article. Explain the writer’s point and the key pieces of text that he uses. 3) Analysis – Are these points well made and convincing? Or is it a weak argument? - Does this angle help you understand the text, or add to your understanding of characters? Or does is it out of sync with your reading of the play, confusing or unnecessary? 4) Draw a conclusion – Ultimately, is this an important criticism or a misguided angle?

17. Group Criticism Assignment
In your group, read the article you are assigned.
What is this critic’s angle on the play? What is his/her main point?
What details from the play does he/she use to support this theory?
Do you agree/disagree with this analysis?
Discuss with your group how this analysis affects your understanding of the play.

18. Critical Article Summaries
1) Summarize the thesis of the article in a couple of sentences. (“In her article ___ Jane Doe argues…”)
2) Summarize one or two key points made in the article.
3) Explain the key pieces of text that he/she uses.
Draw a conclusion – Ultimately, is this an important criticism or a misguided angle?
** There will be more than one main point in each article, usually with a central focus.