1. Literary Theory Post-Colonialism

2. Literary Theory Defined: systematic study of the nature of literature and methods for analyzing literaturesystematic study of the nature of literature and methods for analyzing literature developed as a means to understand the various ways people read textsdeveloped as a means to understand the various ways people read texts most important issues in literary theory are authorial intention and interpretive objectivitymost important issues in literary theory are authorial intention and interpretive objectivity Also called ‘literary criticism’Also called ‘literary criticism’

3. Literary Theory proponents of each theory believe their theory is the theoryproponents of each theory believe their theory is the theory –In reality, we read texts according to several different theories at one time. Lens through which we can see a textLens through which we can see a text There is no true evidence to say that one theory is ‘better’ than another, but it is interesting to ‘decide’ to read a text with one in mind because it can provide an entirely new perspective on your reading.There is no true evidence to say that one theory is ‘better’ than another, but it is interesting to ‘decide’ to read a text with one in mind because it can provide an entirely new perspective on your reading.

4. Sampling of Different Literary Theories Marxist CriticismMarxist Criticism Feminist CriticismFeminist Criticism Mythic/Archetypal CriticismMythic/Archetypal Criticism Psychoanalytic CriticismPsychoanalytic Criticism Reader ResponseReader Response Historical CriticismHistorical Criticism Post-ColonialismPost-Colonialism

5. Post Colonialism deals with cultural identity in colonized societiesdeals with cultural identity in colonized societies –Who are we now? NOT a reference solely to time, as in after colonization or after ‘independence’ from colonistsNOT a reference solely to time, as in after colonization or after ‘independence’ from colonists Deals with the legacy of colonial rule through literature (and other forms of expression)Deals with the legacy of colonial rule through literature (and other forms of expression)