1. Literary Theory Different Perspectives For Thinking About Texts

2. Literary Theory = Lens Various lenses that can be used to evaluate a text. So…what’s a lens?

3. A lens is something we look through…

4. Lenses affect how we see things

5. Lenses also determine what we see

6. What do you see?

7. Literary Theory Definition Different lenses critics use to view and talk about art, literature, and even culture. Note: Literary Theory is also known as Critical Theory and Literary Criticism Theory = Criticism

8. Literary Theory Purpose Each theory has its own assumptions and questions Literary theory allows for focus on particular aspects of a text

9. Social Class Theory Also known as Marxist theory Based on theories of Karl Marx Concerns itself with class differences Lens: Shows social class conflict “Historical change is driven by material realities of society, not politics, law, philosophy, or religion.”

10. Social Class Lens Questions Whom does the text benefit: - The wealthy? The middle class? The poor? How is the lower class oppressed? How do characters from different classes interact or conflict with each other? What values are reinforced or rejected?

11. Feminist Theory Aspects of our culture are dominated by men Feminist Theory focuses on the ways in which texts reinforce or reject the oppression of women: - Economically - Politically - Socially - Psychologically

12. Feminist Theory Basics Women are oppressed Women are defined by their differences from men Men are honored and women are sin (e.g. Adam & Eve) Biology determines our sex, culture determines our gender All feminist activity has the ultimate goal of gender equality

13. Feminist Theory Questions How is the relationship between men and women portrayed? How are male and female roles defined? Do characters take on traits from the opposite gender?