L ITERARY T HEORIES AND C RITICISMS. W HAT IS LITERATURE ?
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Transcript of L ITERARY T HEORIES AND C RITICISMS. W HAT IS LITERATURE ?
LITERARY
THEORIES
AND
CRITICISMS
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE
Noun Writings in prose or verse Writings having excellence of form or expression
and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
The body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
The body of writings on a particular subject Printed matter A text Novels, books, short stories, poems, screen-plays,
dramas
DEFINITIONS OF LITERARY THEORY
The methods and ideas readers apply while reading literature
Different ways of interpreting a text
Several theories exist and have been studied; however, we will talk about 10 of the most popular theories.
MARXIST THEORY Based on the ideas and concepts of Karl
Marx Focuses on social class and economical
differences
Where have you seen it in literature?
PSYCHOANALYTICAL THEORY
Based off the ideas of Sigmund Freud Unconscious vs. Subconscious Desires Defenses Id vs. Ego vs. Superego Oedipus vs. Electra complexes Analysis of character behavior and
motivation as it relates to the human psyche
JUNGIAN THEORY Based off the ideas of Carl Jung – a student of
Sigmund Freud Jungian theory is one branch of
psychoanalytical theory There are a set of archetypes, or molds. How do characters fit into or compare to the
archetype? After you’ve asked the “how” questions, ask
the “why” question.
JUNGIAN ARCHETYPES
The Innocent The Orphan The Hero The Caregiver The Explorer The Rebel The Lover The Creator The Jester The Sage The Magician The Ruler
READER RESPONSE THEORY Ideas and theories that a reader brings to a
work The lens through which the reader interprets
the text. The meaning and significance that a reader
applies to literature.
STRUCTURALISM & SEMIOTIC THEORY
Focuses on language, linguistics, patterns, and symbols
How does the literature fit the structure of literature similar to it?
How does literature fit into the genre that it represents?
POST-MODERN THEORY
Also known as: post-structuralism and deconstruction
Based on the ideas of Jacques Derrida The concept that all systems, frameworks,
molds, and structures will break down Opposed to structuralism theory This theory thrives on instability
Romanticism/symbolism
Form (conjunctive, closed)
Purpose Design Heirarchy Mastery/logos Finished work Semantics Signified Genital/phallic Determinacy transcendence
Paraphysics/Dadaism Antiform (disjunctive,
open) Play Chance Anarchy Exhaustion/silence Process Rhetoric Signifier Androgynous Indeterminacy immanence
Modernism Post-modernism
NEW HISTORICISM & CULTURAL STUDIES
Historicism asks, “What happened?” New historicism asks, “What happened, why
did that happen?” and “What can we interpret about society from what happened?”
Focus on how interpretations reflect the time period and culture
Frequently see author’s opinions and views on the time period, culture, or politics
POST-COLONIAL THEORY Focuses on colonial powers and their
influence on “lower” powers Also examines race and ethnicity Question the literary canon
GENDER STUDIES Focus on the gender roles and stereotypes given
by society Sociology concepts are applied Biology indicates sex, while culture indicates
gender Definitions of masculinity and femininity Examines ways that gender roles are portrayed in
literature
FEMINIST THEORY Focuses on the oppression of women
Political, social, economical, and psychological Exclusion of women from the literary canon Specific branch of gender studies
LGBTQ THEORY A second branch of gender studies Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender Queer Examines sexuality in literature While gender studies focuses on cultural
stereotypes and feminist literature focuses on females, LGBTQ focuses on stereotypical sexuality and how it is portrayed in literature