Literary Theory and Lenses

How Do I Evaluate a Text?

What is “literary theory?”

•The basis for the “lens” through which one views the literature
•There is no “right” way to look at literature
•All schools of thought think they are the “right” way
Why study literary theory?
•The main reason for studying theory at the same time as literature is that it forces you to deal consciously with
the problem of ideologies…. There are many truths and the one you will find depends partly on the ideology you
start with. [Studying theory] means you can take your own part in the struggles for power between different
ideologies. It helps you to discover elements of your own ideology, and understand why you hold certain values
unconsciously. It means no authority can impose a truth on you in a dogmatic way—and if some authority does try,
you can challenge that truth in a powerful way, by asking what ideology it is based on…. Theory is subversive
because it puts authority in question.
•Stephen Bonnycastle,
•In Search of Authority
•Broadview Press, 1991, p.34.
The Creation of Critical Theory
•20thCentury: theories began to emerge
•No theory is based in factual knowledge- someone created it and it is arguable
•Some theories are created in opposition or response to another theory
Using Theories/Lenses•
Rigid application of a theory/lens can spoil a book•
Using multiple theories/lenses can enhance the story•
This is an open ended process- NOT a science
Reader Response
•Making a connection between your experiences and the text
•Literature has no objective meaning
•A reader brings his/her own thoughts and experiences; “identity theme”
Reader Response
For Example:
•Connect the literature to your life
•Connect the literature to current events
•Discuss how the literature makes you feel
•Compare the literature to the way you view the world
Formalism
What a work of literature says cannot be separated from how the literary work says it. Therefore, the form and
structure of a work, far from being merely the decorative wrapping around content, is in fact part of the content of
the work.
Formalist Criticism
•Scientific “dissection” of texts
•Focus on literary elements
•Analyze: setting, character, plot, theme, imagery, foreshadowing, irony, etc.
Common Assumptions of Formalist Criticism
•Literature is a special mode of language and different from everyday language
•A literary work is independent of the author and historical context during which it was written

Literature through a theoretical lens

Research PaperLiterature through a theoretical lens

2 Formalist CritiqueHow do various elements of the work—plot, character, point of view, setting, tone, diction,
images, symbol, and so on—reinforce the meanings present in the text?How are these elements related to the whole
text?What is the work’s major organizing principle? How is its structure unified?What issues does the work raise?
How does the work’s structure resolve those issues?

3 Psychological critique
How does the work reflect the author’s personal psychology?What do the characters' emotions and behavior reveal
about their psychological states?What types of personalities are they?Are psychological matters such as repression,
dreams, and desire presented consciously or unconsciously by the author?

4 Historical CritiqueHow does the work reflect the period in which it is written?What literary or historical influences
helped shape the form and content of the work?How important is the historical context to interpreting the work?
WATCH THAT THESIS ISN’T TOO OBVIOUS!

5 Marxist CritiqueHow are class differences presented in the work? Are characters aware or unaware of the
economic and social forces that affect their lives?How do economic conditions determine the characters’ lives?What
ideological values are explicit or implicit?Does the work challenge or affirm the social order it describes?

6 New historicist critique

What kinds of documents outside the work seem especially relevant for shedding light on the work?How are social
values contemporary to the work reflected or refuted in the work?How does your own historical moment affect your
reading of the work and its historical reconstruction?

7 Cultural Studies Critique

What does the work reveal about the cultural behavior contemporary to it?How does popular culture contemporary to
the work reflect or challenge the values implicit or explicit in the work?What kinds of cultural documents
contemporary to the work add to your reading of it?How do your own cultural assumptions affect your reading of the
work and the culture contemporary to it?

8 Gender studies critique

How are the lives of men and women portrayed in the work? Do the men and women in the work reject or accept
these roles?Is the form and content of the work influenced by the author’s gender?What attitudes are explicit or
implicit concerning heterosexual, homosexual, or lesbian relationships? Are these relationships sources of conflict?
Do they provide resolutions to conflicts?Does the work challenge or affirm traditional ideas about men and women
and same-sex relationships?

9 Mythological Critique
How does the story resemble other stories in plot, character, setting, or use of symbols?Are archetypes presented,
such as quests, initiations, scapegoats, or withdrawals and returns?Does the protagonist undergo any kind of
transformation such as a movement from innocence to experience that seems archetypal?Do any specific allusions
to myths shed light on the text?

10 Deconstructionist Critique
How are contradictory and opposing meanings expressed in the work?How does meaning break down or deconstruct
itself in the language of the work?Would you say that ultimate definitive meanings are impossible to determine and
establish in the text? Why? How does that affect your interpretation?How are implicit ideological values revealed in
the work?

11 General tips Instead of just using Google, try Google Scholar.

Look for URLs that end in .edu and .org. However, if you cannot find an author or date, the website may not be
scholarly. (Undergraduate papers are not scholarly sources!)Check out Purdue OWL for some general information on
different theories. Voice of the Shuttle is a good source but more

"Critical Lenses An Introduction. Why we use lenses  Readers interpret texts in different ways, because our

experiences shape how we see everything around."— Presentation transcript:

1 Critical Lenses An Introduction

2 Why we use lenses  Readers interpret texts in different ways, because our experiences shape how we see
everything around us.  Lenses and theories offer readers different ways of looking at texts.

3 How we use lenses  You can apply different lenses or theories to a single text.  You do not have to agree with
a theory or lens to use it.

4 Reader Response  Reader responds personally with thoughts and feelings. The experience of reading is most
important. The reader will ask:  “What does this mean to me?”  “How can I connect with this text?”

5 Formalist (English Teacher)  Reader breaks apart and examines the pieces (literary elements, figurative
language, etc.) of a text to see what is important. The reader will ask:  “Why has the author used these writing
techniques?”  “What am I supposed to notice?”
6 Biographical/Historical  Reader considers the context of the text to find meaning. The reader will ask:  “What
was happening in the author’s life when this was written?”  “What was happening in the world?”  “How is this
shown in the text?”

7 Economic  Reader examines the way different economic groups are shown in a text. The reader will ask:  “Who
has power?”  “Who does not?”  “What happens as a result?”

8 Gender  Reader thinks about the role of gender in the text. The reader will ask:  “How does the gender of the
author or characters affect the text?”  “What in this text supports or changes my view of men and women in
society?”

9 Psychological  Reader considers the personality, feelings, or state of mind of characters to understand text. The
reader will ask:  “What do I know about the author’s feelings or state of mind?”  “What do I know about the
character’s state of mind?”

10 Cultural  Reader examines a text through the eyes of those in the minority. The reader will ask:  “Whose voice
is represented?”  “Whose voices are missing?”  “What issues of power are represented?”  “What stereotypes
are presented or reinforced?”

Critical Approaches to Literature

Literary Theory

2 Unit Focus QuestionsHow do we study literature? How do viewpoint and bias affect our perception of reality?

3 Critical Approaches to the Study of Literature

Critical Approaches are different perspectives we consider when looking at a piece of literature. They seek to give us
answers to these questions, in addition to aiding us in interpreting literature. 1. What do we read? 2. Why do we
read? 3. How do we read?

4 Critical Approaches to Consider

Reader-Response CriticismFormalist CriticismPsychological/Psychoanalytic CriticismSociological CriticismA.
Feminist/Gender CriticismB. Marxist CriticismBiographical CriticismNew Historicist Criticism

5 Questions to Ponder for Each Theory/Approach

What are the benefits of each form of criticism?What are potential problems with each form?Is there a “right” or a
“wrong” form?Can the mode of criticism alter the entire meaning of a text?

6 1. The Reader-Response Approach

Reader-Response Criticism asserts that a great deal of meaning in a text lies with how the reader responds to
it.Focuses on the act of reading and how it affects our perception of meaning in a text (how we feel at the beginning
vs. the end)Deals more with the process of creating meaning and experiencing a text as we read. A text is an
experience, not an object.The text is a living thing that lives in the reader’s imagination.READER + READING
SITUATION + TEXT = MEANING

7 1. The Reader-Response Approach

2 Important Ideas in Reader-ResponseAn individual reader’s interpretation usually changes over time.Readers from
different generations and different time periods interpret texts differently.Ultimately… How do YOU feel about what
you have read? What do YOU think it means?
8 2. The Formalist Approach
Formalist Criticism emphasizes the form of a literary work to determine its meaning, focusing on literary elements and
how they work to create meaning.Examines a text as independent from its time period, social setting, and author’s
background. A text is an independent entity.Focuses on close readings of texts and analysis of the effects of literary
elements and techniques on the text.

9 2. The Formalist Approach

Two Major Principles of FormalismA literary text exists independent of any particular reader and, in a sense, has a
fixed meaning.The greatest literary texts are “timeless” and “universal.”

10 3. The Psychological/ Psychoanalytic Approach

Psychological Criticism views a text as a revelation of its author’s mind and personality. It is based on the work of
Sigmund Freud.Also focuses on the hidden motivations of literary charactersLooks at literary characters as a
reflection of the writer

11 4. The Sociological Approach

Sociological criticism argues that social contexts (the social environment) must be considered when analyzing a
text.Focuses on the values of a society and how those views are reflected in a textEmphasizes the economic,
political, and cultural issues within literary textsCore Belief: Literature is a reflection of its society.

12 4A. The Marxist ApproachMarxist Criticism emphasizes economic and social conditions. It is based on the
political theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.Concerned with understanding the role of power, politics, and
money in literary texts

13 4A. The Marxist ApproachMarxist Criticism examines literature to see how it reflectsThe way in which dominant
groups (typically, the majority) exploit the subordinate groups (typically, the minority)The way in which people
become alienated from one another through power, money, and politics

14 4B. The Feminist Approach

Feminist Criticism is concerned with the role, position, and influence of women in a literary text.Asserts that most
“literature” throughout time has been written by men, for men.Examines the way that the female consciousness is
depicted by both male and female writers.

15 4B. The Feminist Approach

4 Basic Principles of Feminist CriticismWestern civilization is patriarchal.The concepts of gender are mainly cultural
ideas created by patriarchal societies.Patriarchal ideals pervade “literature.”Most “literature” through time has been
gender-biased.

16 5. The Biographical Approach

Biographical Criticism argues that we must take an author’s life and background into account when we study a text.

17 5. The Biographical Approach

Three Benefits:Facts about an author’s experience can help a reader decide how to interpret a text.A reader can
better appreciate a text by knowing a writer’s struggles or difficulties in creating that text.A reader can understand a
writer’s preoccupation by studying the way they apply and modify their own life experiences in their works.

18 6. The New Historicist Approach

New Historicist Criticism argues that every literary work is a product of its time and its world.

19 6. The New Historicist Approach

New Historicism:Provides background information necessary to understand how literary texts were perceived in their
time.Shows how literary texts reflect ideas and attitudes of the time in which they were written.New historicist critics
often compare the language in contemporary documents and literary texts to reveal cultural assumptions and values
in the text.

20 REMEMBER…We will never look at a text STRICTLY from one standpoint or another, ignoring all other views.
That is antithetical to what we are trying to do.We should always keep our focus on the text and use these critical
approaches to clarify our understanding of a text and develop an interpretation of it.

Presentation on theme: "What’s Theory Got To Do With It? How Perspective Can Change Your Reading and the

Way You See Your World!!!"— Presentation transcript:

1 What’s Theory Got To Do With It? How Perspective Can Change Your Reading and the Way You See Your
World!!!

2 “My Papa’s Waltz” The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy But I hung on like death Such
waltzing was not easy We romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf My mother’s countenance Could not
unfrown itself. The hand that held one wrist Was battered on one knuckle At every step you missed My right ear
scraped a buckle. You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging
to your shirt. ~Theodore Roethke

3 What Do You Think? How many of you believe that any text is written with one purpose, and that purpose is hidden
or explained by the author of the text? How many of you believe that any text is written with one purpose, and that
purpose is hidden or explained by the author of the text? How many of you believe that your personal experiences
determine how you read and interpret your world. How many of you believe that your personal experiences
determine how you read and interpret your world. Do you believe that we (the reader) will never be able to know the
true meaning or intent of any text? Do you believe that we (the reader) will never be able to know the true meaning or
intent of any text? Or do you believe that the author and you are influenced by the world that you live in? Does race,
gender or social class influence your reading? Does it influence the author? Or do you believe that the author and
you are influenced by the world that you live in? Does race, gender or social class influence your reading? Does it
influence the author? Is there more than one way to read a text and/or your world? Is there more than one way to
read a text and/or your world?

4 What Is Lit. Theory? Literary theory is the scientific study of literature, poetry, authors, and language. Literary
theory is the scientific study of literature, poetry, authors, and language. Theory attempts to highlight the significance
of perspective in writing and reading. Theory attempts to highlight the significance of perspective in writing and
reading. It is the reason why we revisit “great” authors like: Thoreau, Emerson, Irving, Poe…. It is the reason why we
revisit “great” authors like: Thoreau, Emerson, Irving, Poe…. Literary Theory assists the reader in recognizing the
importance of language, gender, race, socio-economic, political and personal experience in interpreting texts. Literary
Theory assists the reader in recognizing the importance of language, gender, race, socio-economic, political and
personal experience in interpreting texts. It attempts to awaken the reader to multiple stories within one text. It
attempts to awaken the reader to multiple stories within one text.

5 How Can Perspective Really Change My Interpretation of Texts? When you begin to read critically, you will see
that there are multiple stories within any text that you read. When you begin to read critically, you will see that there
are multiple stories within any text that you read. Your education thus far has probably taught you to use your
experience or to wait for the teacher to tell you what the text is saying. However, with theory you will never need to
rely on one method or person to inform your readings. Your education thus far has probably taught you to use your
experience or to wait for the teacher to tell you what the text is saying. However, with theory you will never need to
rely on one method or person to inform your readings. Let’s look at a story that you are all familiar with: The Three
Little Pigs Let’s look at a story that you are all familiar with: The Three Little Pigs

6 What’s The Three Little Pigs have to do with American Lit? What is the point of reading this seemingly childish
book? What is the point of reading this seemingly childish book? The reasons: The reasons: Meaning is constructed
Meaning is constructed Meaning can change based on who is doing the telling and/or the reading Meaning can
change based on who is doing the telling and/or the reading If something so simple can have multiple readings,
imagine what stories such as Huck Finn, To Kill A Mockingbird…might yield? If something so simple can have
multiple readings, imagine what stories such as Huck Finn, To Kill A Mockingbird…might yield?

7 How Many Types of Theories Are There? There are about a dozen literary theories; however, a final number count
is changing as our society, culture, and world continue to change. The most common theories are: Archetypal,
Feminist, Marxist, New Criticism, Psychological and Psychoanalytical, Reader-Response, Deconstruction,
Structuralism, and Historical Criticism. The most common theories are: Archetypal, Feminist, Marxist, New Criticism,
Psychological and Psychoanalytical, Reader-Response, Deconstruction, Structuralism, and Historical Criticism.

8 Let’s Get Political Karl Marx(1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels most commonly associated with Communism. Karl
Marxism became the foundation for Communist theory. Marxism became the foundation for Communist theory.
Although popular in his lifetime, Marxism resonated with the Russian Revolution in the early 1900’s. Although popular
in his lifetime, Marxism resonated with the Russian Revolution in the early 1900’s. The foundational belief system
that made it possible for leaders such as Lenin, Mussolini, and Hitler to come to power. The foundational belief
system that made it possible for leaders such as Lenin, Mussolini, and Hitler to come to power.

9 What is Marxism? Marxist critics base their theory and practice on the following economic and cultural theoretical
claims: Marxist critics base their theory and practice on the following economic and cultural theoretical claims:
History, humanity and its institutions are based on economic organization. History, humanity and its institutions are
based on economic organization. Economic changes equal changes in how a government and its people function.
People are in a continual struggle for economic, political, and social advantage. Economic changes equal changes in
how a government and its people function. People are in a continual struggle for economic, political, and social
advantage. Human consciousness is constituted by ideology, which is the set of values, beliefs, thinking and feeling
that guide how we perceive and explain reality. Human consciousness is constituted by ideology, which is the set of
values, beliefs, thinking and feeling that guide how we perceive and explain reality. Our ideologies reinforce our
economic and social class. Our ideologies reinforce our economic and social class.

10 Why Marxism? Marxism remains one of the most influential philosophical and literary theories of modern time.
Marxism remains one of the most influential philosophical and literary theories of modern time. Our way of life is
determined by the economic system that we inhabit. Our way of life is determined by the economic system that we
inhabit. You can not separate yourself from the economic “machine” that you are a part of. You can not separate
yourself from the economic “machine” that you are a part of. The theory also glorifies and examines the plight of the
“worker” or common man. The theory also glorifies and examines the plight of the “worker” or common man.

11 What’s Gender Got To Do With It?

12 Feminist Theory Feminist critics look to see how male dominated cultural and economic institutions have
alienated women, giving them the “other” status in our society. Feminist critics hold these traits in common: Feminist
critics hold these traits in common Our civilization is patriarchal Gender is socially/culturally constructed by
patriarchal biases in our civilization Patriarchal ideologies are represented in “great” literature Authentic female
characters, voices and experiences are left out of literature. Most literature is written by men towards male
audiences. Authentic female characters, voices and experiences are left out of literature. Most literature is written by
men towards male audiences.

13 Why Feminist Theory? Feminist theory asks us to examine not only how we view women, but how men and
women interact with each other in literature. Feminist theory asks us to examine not only how we view women, but
how men and women interact with each other in literature. Understanding feminist perspectives will help you to see
not only literature, but advertising, music videos, television, feature films, school, relationships, and the workplace
different. Understanding feminist perspectives will help you to see not only literature, but advertising, music videos,
television, feature films, school, relationships, and the workplace different.

14 A Raisin In The Sun Our reading of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun will be influenced by both Marxism
and Feminist literary theory. We will be reading this play through those perspectives. Our reading of Lorraine
Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun will be influenced by both Marxism and Feminist literary theory. We will be reading
this play through those perspectives.

Presentation on theme: "CRITICAL APPROACHES TO LITERATURE Literary Theory."— Presentation transcript:

1 CRITICAL APPROACHES TO LITERATURE Literary Theory

2 Focus Questions How do we “study” literature? How do viewpoint and bias affect our analysis of literature? What
“lenses” can we use to see, understand, and evaluate literature?

3 Critical Approaches to the Study of Literature Critical Approaches are different perspectives we consider when
looking at a piece of literature. They give us answers to these questions, in addition to aiding us in interpreting
literature: 1. What do we read? 2. Why do we read? 3. How do we read? Literary criticism has two main functions: 
To analyze, study, and evaluate works of literature.  To form general principles for the examination of works of
literature

4 Critical Approaches to Consider 1. Reader-Response Criticism 2. Formalist Criticism 3.

Psychological/Psychoanalytic Criticism 4. Sociological Criticism A. Feminist/Gender Criticism B. Marxist Criticism 5.
Biographical Criticism 6. New Historicist Criticism (“Historical”) 7. Mythological/Archetypal Criticism

5 1. The Reader-Response Approach Reader-Response Criticism asserts that a great deal of meaning in a text lies
with how the reader responds to it. It is based upon the reader’s sum- total experiences.  Focuses on the act of
reading and how it affects our perception of meaning in a text (how we feel about the topic at the beginning vs. the
end of the text)  Deals more with the process of creating meaning and experiencing a text as we read. A text is an
experience, not an object.. READER + READING SITUATION + TEXT = MEANING

6 1. The Reader-Response Approach Two Important Ideas in Reader-Response 1. An individual reader’s
interpretation usually changes over time. 2. Readers from different generations and different time periods will
interpret texts differently. Ultimately… What do YOU think it means? How do YOU feel about what you have read?
Reader-Response is primarily used in elementary and middle school.

7 2. The Formalist Approach Formalist Criticism emphasizes the form of a literary work to determine its meaning,
focusing on literary elements and how they work to create meaning. It focuses on close readings of texts and
analysis of the effects of literary elements and techniques on the text. Examines a text as independent from its time
period, social setting, and author’s background. A text is an independent entity.  EX: “How does the author’s use of
diction, syntax, and point of view give the reader meaning in The Great Gatsby?”

8 2. The Formalist Approach Major Principle of Formalism A literary text does not depend on its reader for meaning.
It has a fixed meaning since the meaning is created from analysis of its literary elements.  Discover meaning by
close reading of a work of literature. Focus is on:  Form, organization, and structure  Word choice and language 
Multiple meanings  Considers the work in isolation, disregarding author’s intent, author’s background, context, and
anything else outside of the work itself.  Formalism was popular in the early 20 th Century…

9 3. The Psychological/ Psychoanalytic Approach Psychological Criticism views a text as a revelation of its author’s
mind and personality. It is based on the work of Sigmund Freud.  The analysis of a text using this approach will focus
on the hidden motivations of literary characters.  Freud’s theories about human behavior (Repressions, the ID, EGO,
and SUPEREGO) are critical to this approach.

10 4. The Sociological Approach Sociological criticism argues that social contexts (the social environment) must be
considered when analyzing a text. Two main types most often used: Marxist and Feminist  What are the values of a
society?  How are those views reflected in the text? (economic, political, and cultural)  Core Belief: Literature is a
reflection of its society.

11 4A. The Marxist Approach Marxist Criticism emphasizes economic and social conditions. It is based on the
political theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.  Concerned with understanding the role of power, politics, and
money as reflected in literary texts

12 4A. The Marxist Approach Marxist Criticism examines literature to see how it reflects 1. The way in which
dominant groups exploit the subordinate groups 2. The way in which people become alienated from one another
through power, money, and politics

13 4B. The Feminist Approach Feminist Criticism is concerned with the role, position, and influence of women in a
literary text.  Asserts that most “literature” throughout time has been written by men, for men.  Examines the way
that the females are depicted by both male and female writers.

14 4B. The Feminist Approach 4 Basic Principles of Feminist Criticism  Western civilization is patriarchal.  The
concepts of gender roles are mainly cultural ideas created by patriarchal societies.  Patriarchal ideals pervade
literature.  Most literature through time has been gender- biased. EX: “What statement about women (or their roles,
power, etc) is evident in this text? Who is making that statement?”

15 5. The Biographical Approach Biographical Criticism argues that we must take an author’s life and background
into account when we study a text. Downside: you must fully understand the author’s life to use this type of critical
analysis.

16 5. The Biographical Approach Three Benefits: 1. Facts about an author’s experience can help a reader decide
how to interpret a text. 2. A reader can better appreciate a text by knowing a writer’s struggles or difficulties in
creating that text. 3. A reader can understand a writer’s preoccupation by studying the way they apply and modify
their own life experiences in their works.

17 6. The New Historicist Approach New Historicist Criticism argues that every literary work is a product of its time
and its world.

18 6. The New Historicist Approach New Historicism connects to the world:  Provides background information
necessary to understand how literary texts were perceived in their time.  Shows how literary texts reflect ideas and
attitudes of the time in which they were written.  New historicist critics often compare the language in contemporary
documents and literary texts to reveal cultural assumptions and values in the text. EX: “What occurred during the
Victorian era to give rise to the genre of horror and its monsters of Dracula and Frankenstein?”

19 7. Mythological/Archetypal Criticism o The reader examines and analyzes a text through the lens of its archetypal
characters or of world mythos o Draws heavily upon the work of Joseph Campbell and archetypal heroes: The
Innocent, Orphan, Warrior, Caregiver, Seeker, Destroyer, Lover, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Sage, Wise Fool

20 REMEMBER…  You should never look at a text STRICTLY from one standpoint or another, ignoring all other
views.  We should always keep our focus on the text and use these critical approaches to clarify our understanding
of a text and develop an interpretation of it.

Presentation on theme: "L ITERARY T HEORIES AND C RITICISMS. W HAT IS LITERATURE ?"— Presentation

transcript:

1 L ITERARY T HEORIES AND C RITICISMS

2 W HAT IS LITERATURE ?

3 D EFINITIONS 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

4 D EFINITIONS 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.

5 M ARXIST THEORY Based on the ideas and concepts of Karl Marx Focuses on social class and economical
differences Where have you seen it in literature?

6 P SYCHOANALYTICAL 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

8 J UNGIAN 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.

9 J UNGIAN 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

10 R EADER 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.
11 S TRUCTURALISM & S EMIOTIC 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?

13 P OST - 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

14 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
ModernismPost-modernism

15 N EW H ISTORICISM & C ULTURAL S TUDIES 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

16 P OST - COLONIAL T HEORY Focuses on colonial powers and their influence on “lower” powers Also examines
race and ethnicity Question the literary canon

17 G ENDER S TUDIES 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

18 F EMINIST THEORY Focuses on the oppression of women Political, social, economical, and psychological
Exclusion of women from the literary canon Specific branch of gender studies

19 LGBTQ T HEORY A second branch of gender studies L esbian G ay B i-sexual T ransgender Q ueer 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

1. Literary Lenses One Text – Many Ways of Seeing It

2. The different perspectives we use to understand and interpret texts. We bring different
“angles” to texts. We bring different background knowledge. We focus on different parts of the
texts. What are Literary Lenses?
3. Why are Lenses Important? By focusing our reading attention on different parts of the text,
we can move closer to understanding the text’s theme Remember that theme is the author’s
comment on the human condition!
5. Historical Feminist Marxist Formalism Reader Response Types of Literary Lenses

6. Looking at a text through its connections to history. The Crucible - Cold War Of Mice and
Men - The Great Depression Focuses on the social, political, and economic climate of the
event Historical
7. How to Look Through the Historic Lens Examine the historical connections of the text.
Social, economic, political What is the author’s role in the text? Consider background
information on the author.
8. Looking at a text through how gender is shown. Males / females Stereotypical gender
roles Feminist
9. How to Look Through the Feminist Lens Consider the gender of the author. Consider the
gender(s) of the characters. What roles do gender and sexuality play in this work?
10. Are gender stereotypes reinforced or challenged? Imagine yourself as the opposite
gender while reading this piece
11. Looking at a text in terms of power Oftentimes, power is related to money Who has money;
who doesn’t Who has power; who doesn’t Who is “rich”; who is “poor” Marxist
12. How to Look Through the Marxist Lens Consider who has the power and who doesn’t
Consider who has the money and who doesn’t
13. What role(s) do power, money, or class play in this work? What happens as a result of
these differences?
14. Formalism Looks at the text AS a TEXT. Meaning is discovered through close reading NOT
by examining outside sources
15. How to Look Through the Formalist Lens Look at words, literary terms, symbols. Analyze
how parallels are established and create a unity within the text.
16. Looks at how the reader responds to the text. Individual meaning is derived as the reader
reads Reader Response
17. How to Look Through the Reader Response Lens Ummm….just read (no…seriously)
Track what you think and interpret the text to mean! Bring your own thoughts, moods, and
experiences to the text.
18. So What is the Point? • Literal level • Notice these structures for each lens • Point out the
history, the women, the powerful • Interpretive level • Answer the “so what…” question • What
might the author be implying with a powerful woman, a class conflict, or similes throughout…..
the THEME
19. Example to Ponder -The Lion King Historical Made in 1990s Time of great political upheaval
in world Theme – “right” governments can overcome adversity?
20. The Lion King • Feminist • Helpless females • Females provide food and care for the young
yet males have ALL the power • Nala is stronger than Simba, but she does not inherit the
crown • Theme – Strong men should rule in the world while women support them?
21. The Lion King • Marxist • Males have all the power (Mufasa, Simba, Scar) • When Mufasa
dies, Simba is the ONLY one considered for the crown. • Lions retain power over all other
animals • Hyenas are weak (lower-class) • Class rebellion leads to the conflict of the film •
Theme – Class distinction should be eliminated?
22. The Lion King Formalist Examine songs and messages? Examine artwork? Different with
movies than with written texts.
23. The Lion King • Reader Response • I like it because…. • It reminds me of…. • This connects
to Hamlet….

1. ~~Literary Criticism~~~~Literary Theory~~~~Critical Theory~~

2. LITERARY CRITICISM • The discipline of interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating •
literature…. Long-standing texts with timeless values, • values, universal themes, &
 exceptional artistry and power • Interpret: What does this work of literature MEAN? • Analyze:
HOW does this piece of literature WORK? (pull things • apart, examine relationships, figure
out effects, etc.) • Evaluate: What is this work’s VALUE? • Literary Criticism improves reading
skills, gives tools to solve • problems and understand literature, expands awareness, gives •
more ways to respond, gives more things to FIND in lit., and • develops CRITICAL THINKING
skills • “criticism” here does NOT mean finding fault or expressing • dislike or saying what is
“wrong” with literature • Must be backed up with logical reasons and textual evidence
3. WHAT IS LITERARY THEORY? • The body of ideas and methods used in the reading and
studying of literature • Various theories, focal points, “lenses”, and approaches to explain and
interpret texts • Application of diverse knowledge and perspectives to yield multiple
interpretations of literature
4. Reader-Response Theory vs. Critical Theory Whatever you think; like or dislike; personal
opinions, connections, reactions PURPOSEFUL reading and DECODING according to a
specific lens, viewpoint, approach; identifying particular elements and meanings that emerge
BASED ON that lens, view, perspective
5. 5 MAIN LENSES / APPROACHES / CRITICAL THEORIES: • ARCHETYPAL • GENDER •
HISTORICAL • MARXIST • PSYCHOANALYTICAL

6. THE ARCHETYPAL LENS / APPROACH • Identifies and analyzes the variance of

ARCHETYPES in literature • Common patterns, symbols, motifs shared / repeated across
cultures & eras • Stock characters; common, basic plot patterns; traditions, rituals, and images
• from ancient works that recur in many works and many cultures • Carl Jung: archetypes exist
is collective unconscious; shared, universal • images and patterns in every human’s
subconscious (product of inherited • experiences of primordal ancestors; imprints in minds at
birth) • AKA: Mythic Approach or Symbolic Approach • Mythological and/or Biblical elements •
The stuff of dreams and fairytales • WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (great for Archetypal
Lens)
7. EXAMPLES: ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS the hero, helper, sidekick, villain, usurper, wise
old sage, outcast, caring mother, stern father, underdog, femme fatale, the innocent, the
avenger ARCHETYPAL SITUALTIONS the task / trial, journey / quest, loss of innocence,
initiation, coming of age, Pursuit of revenge, ascent into heaven or some “greater plane”,
descent Into the underworld or afterlife, searching for father, damsel in distress, loss,
Confusion, banishment, discovery of identity or worth ARCHETYPAL IMAGES the flood,
water, fire, seasons, circles, colors, heavenly bodies, plants, animals, forest, numbers, the
magical weapon
8. QUESTIONS AN ARCHETYPAL THEORIST WOULD ASK: • What images, symbols,
character TYPES, or stereotypical life events are present that also exist in many other works?
• What motifs / events from this work resemble motifs / events from myths, fairy tales, or other
ancient stories? • What traditions or ritualistic human behaviors are present that are common
across vast cultures and vast eras?
9. Archetypal Characters to Explore In Hamlet:  Gertrude = the femme fatale Ophelia = the
innocent, obedient, oppressed little girl Hamlet = the avenger Claudius = the villain or usurper
11. THE GENDER LENS / APPROACH • Grew out of “Feminist Theory” (focusing on women’s
roles/ • analysis of society’s beliefs about the function of women • Investigates gender &
sexual categories and identities • Societal gender roles (traditionally and culturally) • Sexual
dynamics and interactions between men and women • Gender roles as a human construct,
products of culture • Examines how feminine and masculine roles are represented •
 Importance of language use with each gender • Society’s biases and beliefs and sexual
stereotypes in literature
12. Questions a Gender Theorist Would Ask: • How are women portrayed? Men? What
stereotypes are reinforced? • Does the text subvert the role of women? Of men? • To what
extend do men show dominant roles in order to control or suppress women? • Does the text
deal with seeking intimacy in relationships? • Do women in this text seek independence from
male domination? • To what extent does the text show a female as “caregiver”? • a male as
“doer”?
13. ‘Gender Criticism’ Issues to Explore in Hamlet: • A “Gender Theorist” would assert that
Ophelia’s madness stands for the oppression of women in society • Act III, scene I – from
Ophelia’s entrance after Hamlet’s soliloquy to Ophelia’s exit • Act III, scene ii – from Hamlet’s
initial exchanges with Ophelia before the ‘play’ begins to Hamlet’s line “As woman’s love…” •
Act III, scene v – Ophelia’s 1st and 2nd set of lines • Gertude’s role in the play? Especially Act
III, scene iv (“The Closet Scene”)
15. THE HISTORICAL LENS / APPROACH • Examines the events, culture, and lifestyle
surrounding the • SETTING of the novel (historical context of the story) • Examines the
events, culture, and lifestyle surrounding the • AUTHOR’S life and times (historical context of
HIS world) • Identifies historical and cultural aspects that influence AND that • are revealed in
the work • Identifies links between fictional characters in a work and actual • historical figures
16. EXAMPLE: In examining THE CRUCIBLE, Historical Criticism would delve into two areas:
the lives of Puritans during the Salem Witch Trials (the play’s setting), AND the politics of the
1950s in America (the McCarthy ‘red scare’, when the play was written) Why, in 1953
America, did Arthur Miller write a play about the Salem Witch Trials that occurred in 1692
Massachusetts?
17. Questions a Historicism Theorist Would Ask: • What historical events relate to / are
significant to the context • of the story? • When and where was this written, and what was
going on in • the world at that time and place? • What was the culture and lifestyle of the
author? • What was the culture and lifestyle of the people who lived • during this era? • How
do the text, author, and cultural context work together • to produce meaning?
18. Historical Theory Issues to Explore in Hamlet: • Link between Hamlet and historical figure
Robert Dereveaux, the 2nd Earl • of Essex (spoke treasonous words while appearing mad) •
Act II, scenes i and ii – Polonius attempts to explain cause of Hamlet’s • madness • Act V,
scene I – Gravediggers discuss Hamlet’s madness • Any scenes involving Claudius, Gertrude,
or the political background • (Norway and Denmark) could be explored for historical parallels •
Long discussion Hamlet has with players, Act II, scene ii, about why • they are now a traveling
company, is based on events during the • Elizabethan period
20. MARXIST CRITICISM / THE MARXIST LENS • Explores class conflict, class distinctions, and
economic status in the work • Examines social, political, and economic meanings of literature •
Focuses on struggle for power and its effect on social class • Belief that social and economic
conditions directly influence beliefs and values • Economic determinism • Class warfare is a
product of culture • Effects of those in power and how they seek to maintain that power •
(especially through art, literature, education, propaganda) • Struggle between working class
and ruling elite • Examines portrayal of behaviors and traits ‘typical’ of different social classes
• Material forces that shape the physiological experience
21. Marxism in Movies: The Titanic Toy Story 3 Fight Club “For Marxism, getting and keeping
economic power is the motive behind all social and political activities, including education,
philosophy, religion, government, the arts, science, technology, the media, and so on.” (Tyson
53)
22. Questions a Marxist Theorist Would Ask: • What is the economic situation of the
characters, and what happens • as a result of this status? • To what extent are the characters’
 lives influenced or determined • by social, political, and economic forces? • What social forces
and institutions are represented in the work? • Does the work OVERLOOK or neglect
economic, social, and political • implications? • How is the lower-class shown? How is the
upper-class portrayed? • Is there are subversion of the ‘typical’ behavior / traits of each class?
• Is there a certain class that the work seems to favor, advocate, • or champion? Is there a
class the work seems to satirize? Is • the author bringing attention to the flaws of ‘class
distinction’?
23. Marxist Theory Applied to Hamlet Claudius’ rise to power and subsequent struggle to
maintain power Subversion of the traits / behaviors typically associated with wealthy, upper
class (gravedigger outsmarts and confuses Hamlet; gravediggers argue the importance of
their job) Hamlet’s assertion that death is the final and permanent equalizer (social classes,
social distinctions disappear) Elements of the “Lower Class Carnival” (masks, chaos,
scandals, drinking, sex, etc.) are actually quite rampant in the play’s upper classes (Claudius’
drinking, Hamlet’s many sexual references, Claudius’ “mask”, Hamlet’s “mask”, Claudius and
the Queen’s scandalous marriage)
25. PSYCHOANALYTICAL CRITICISM / THE PSYCHOANALYTICAL LENS • Analyzes lit. in
terms of psychoanalysis of the author AND of the character • Dynamics of the human mind;
how the human mind works; mental processes • Character motivations AND author
motivations • How human development occurs; root causes of the formation of the psyche •
Author’s psychological history / problems AND character’s psych. history / problems • FREUD
– id, ego, superego, Oedipus, Electra • Freud argued that the id desired the destruction of the
same-sex parent • Iceberg metaphor • How id, ego, superego are represented in literature •
Parental relationships – in Freudian psychology, one’s relationship with one’s parents • is a
significant determiner of how person relates with other humans • Dream analysis • Green
Eggs and Ham (great for Psychoanalytical Criticism)
26. ID Rage, evil, sexual desire, addiction, impulse, pleasure, hedonism Without restraint;drive to
survive, procreate, and have unbridled fun; needs to be held in check EGO Intermediary
between id’s desires / impulses and external world; Guidelines for behavior; Ego balances
demands of id with restrictions of Superego; Ego represses id and allows for acceptable levels
of satisfying needs SUPEREGO Mental province that responds to parental, social, moral,
religious influences re: behavior and propriety; Parental and ideal force that permeates
regarding the best, right way to be
28. Questions a Psychoanalytical Theorist Would Ask: • What motivates (deep within his
mind) the protagonist or antagonist? • In what way does text show psychosexual development
of character? • Does the character demonstrate any neuroses or psychoses? • How might the
character’s behavior be influenced by forces of id, ego, or superego? • What conflicts occur
between the character’s id, ego, superego? • Are there any implications of an Oedipus or
Electra complex in the text? • What are the deeper effects of the character’s parental
relationships? • What happened in the author’s childhood that may have influenced his
thinking? • Is the author trying to work out a psychological problem or situation? • Does the
text reveal the author’s repressed desires? • What was the relationship like between the
author and his parents? Does that • have any impact on the crafting of this text?
29. Psychoanalytical Issues to Explore in Hamlet: Critic Janet Aldeman asserts that at the
center of Hamlet lies the problem Of Hamlet having to struggle with the father figure in his life.
Act I, scene ii – Hamlet discusses his sullied flesh and Claudius’ actions Act III, scene ii – The
play-within-a-play, as Hamlet acts as a Chorus Act III, scene iii – Hamlet explains why he
must wait to kill Claudius Act III, scene iv – Hamlet confronts Gertrude Act IV, scene iii –
Hamlet insults Claudius