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LITERARY THEORIES

LITERARY THEORIES. Feminist, Psychoanalyst, and Marxist Theories. What is literary criticism?. Literary theory (also known as critical theory) is a discourse on literature Focuses on the analysis of literature (which means looking beyond the plot, themes, characterization, etc.)

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LITERARY THEORIES

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  1. LITERARY THEORIES Feminist, Psychoanalyst, and Marxist Theories

  2. What is literary criticism? • Literary theory (also known as critical theory) is a discourse on literature • Focuses on the analysis of literature (which means looking beyond the plot, themes, characterization, etc.) • BENEFITS: you get to study different view points AND obtain a deeper understanding of the text

  3. Feminist Theory • Looks at the differences between men and women (in terms of power dynamics, positions held in society, socially acceptable behaviors, etc.) • Focuses on the female experience and inequality based on gender dynamics

  4. Psychoanalyst Theory • An extension of psychology • Focuses on Freud’s theories related to the unconscious mind • According to Freud the human psyche can be divided into three components: -ID: passionate, irrational, and unconscious -EGO: rational, logical, orderly, and conscious -SUPEREGO: outside the self, moral judgements, self-sacrifices, etc.

  5. The Psychoanalyst Theory • Freud claims that all humans have repressed wishes and fears • One such desire is the desire to replace the parent of our own gender and take his/her place in the affections of the parent of the opposite gender (The Oedipus Complex vs. The Electra Complex) • These desires function at the subconscious level as they violate social norms;, however, they effect/shape our behaviors

  6. Marxist Theory • This theory is related to Marxism, which began with Karl Marx (A German Philosopher) • Focuses on: - the social class/class division -oppression, social conflicts -distribution and impact of power -questions culture, race, class and power

  7. References • http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org/~jfletcher/pdfs/10th%20Grade/To%20Kill%20a%20Mockingbird/marxistliterarycriticism.pdf • http://www.prestwickhouse.com/PDF/SAMPLE/307234.pdf

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