Stations for Marxism as a Literary Theory

Remember to be taking notes on important concepts, ideas, and definitions!

Station 1: Definition and Key Terms

Watch this YouTube Video on Marxism
Look at memes and pictures (End of this handout)

Station 2: Origins
Watch the video: “Karl Marx: Philosopher, Economist, and Social Activist – Fast Facts | History”
in the channel HISTORY

Station 3: Communist Manifesto

Read and take notes on Summary, Content, and Terms. When finished, summarize the
Manifesto in your own words
https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/communist/summary/

Station 4: Marxism as a Literary Theory

Reading literature through a Marxist lens focuses on these questions:

 Whom does it benefit if the work or effort is accepted/successful/believed, etc.?

 What is the relationship between the characters and their society?
 Does the story address societal issues, such as race, gender, and class?
 Which class does the work claim to represent?
 What values does it reinforce?
 What values does it subvert?
 What social classes do the characters represent?
 How do characters from different classes interact or conflict?

Using the text, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, try answering as many of these questions as you can.