Literary Criticism Approaches

1. STRUCTURALIST. This approach focuses on analyzing the underlying structures and patterns
within a text, emphasizing how elements like language, symbols, and narrative devices work together
to create meaning. Structuralist critics often seek to uncover the universal rules or systems governing
literature.

Figures of Speech or Figurative Languages

A. Simile. A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."
She was as brave as a lion.
His laughter was like music to her ears.

B. Metaphor. A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, stating that one thing is another.
Time is a thief stealing moments from our lives.
The world is a stage, and we are merely players.

C. Personification. Personification gives human attributes to non-human entities or abstract concepts.

The sun smiled down on the earth.
The wind whispered secrets through the trees.

D. Hyperbole. Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

I've told you a million times to clean your room!
His backpack weighs a ton!

E. Symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning.
The dove is a symbol of peace.
The color green symbolizes growth and renewal.

Imagery refers to the use of vivid language that appeals to the senses to create mental images and evoke sensory experiences in
the reader's mind.

Types of imagery include.

A. Visual Imagery. Descriptions that appeal to the sense of sight.
- The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
- The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the tranquil lake.

B. Auditory Imagery. Descriptions that appeal to the sense of hearing.

- The leaves rustled softly in the gentle breeze, creating a soothing melody.
- The distant sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed through the stillness of the night.

C. Tactile Imagery. Descriptions that appeal to the sense of touch.

- The soft fur of the kitten brushed against her fingertips as she stroked its back.
- The rough texture of the tree bark scraped against his palm as he climbed higher into the branches.

D. Olfactory Imagery. Descriptions that appeal to the sense of smell.

- The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the kitchen, filling the air with warmth and sweetness.
- The scent of blooming flowers perfumed the garden, carrying hints of jasmine and lavender on the breeze.

E. Gustatory Imagery. Descriptions that appeal to the sense of taste.

- The tartness of the lemonade tingled on her tongue, refreshing and invigorating.
- The savory aroma of the simmering stew teased his taste buds, promising a hearty and satisfying meal.
 Sound devices are literary techniques used to enhance the auditory experience of a text through the manipulation of sounds and
rhythms.

A. Alliteration. The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
- "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
- "She sells sea shells by the sea shore."

B. Onomatopoeia. Words that imitate the sound they represent.

- "The bees buzzed around the flowers."
- "The clock ticked loudly in the silent room."

C. Assonance. The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

- "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain."
- "The cat sat on the mat."

D. Consonance. The repetition of consonant sounds within nearby words.

- "Mike likes his bike."
- "The pitter-patter of raindrops."

E. Rhyme. The repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines or words.

- "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall."
- "Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are."

2. MORALIST approach evaluates literature based on its adherence to or promotion of moral values
or ethical principles. Critics using this approach assess how characters' actions and the overall plot
align with societal norms or ethical standards, often making judgments about the text's moral
implications.

3. MARXIST literary criticism examines literature through the lens of social and economic relations,
emphasizing how texts reflect and perpetuate class struggles and power dynamics. Critics employing
this approach analyze how characters, themes, and settings relate to issues of capitalism, labor, and
social inequality.

A. Social Class. Refers to the hierarchical divisions of society based on economic factors such as wealth, income, and
occupation. Marxist literary analysis often examines how characters and themes in literature reflect and reinforce class
structures.

B. Materialism. In the Marxist context, materialism refers to the focus on material conditions, such as economic
relationships and the means of production, as the primary drivers of social change and human behavior. Literary works
are analyzed for their portrayal of material conditions and how they shape characters' actions and motivations.

C. Oppression. Describes the unjust or cruel exercise of power and authority to subjugate and control certain groups or
individuals within society. Marxist critics analyze literature to uncover instances of oppression, whether based on class,
gender, race, or other factors, and to explore its implications for social dynamics and power relations.

D. Social Injustice. Refers to unfairness or inequality within society, often resulting from systemic issues such as poverty,
discrimination, and exploitation. Marxist literary analysis examines how literature exposes and critiques social
injustices, shedding light on the inequities and injustices inherent in capitalist systems.

E. Power Tripping. Describes the abuse or misuse of power by individuals or groups to exert control and dominance over
others. In Marxist literary criticism, power tripping is often seen as a manifestation of class-based oppression, where
those in positions of authority exploit their power to maintain their privileged status and suppress dissent from
marginalized groups.
4. FEMINIST criticism explores literature from a gender-conscious perspective, examining how gender
roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics shape representations of characters and themes. Critics using
this approach often seek to uncover and challenge patriarchal assumptions and biases within texts.

A. Gender roles refer to the societal expectations, norms, and behaviors associated with individuals based on their
perceived gender. Feminist literary analysis examines how literature portrays and reinforces traditional gender roles, as
well as how it challenges or subverts these roles to empower characters and critique gender norms.

B. Power dynamics refer to the distribution and exercise of power within relationships and societies. In feminist literary
criticism, scholars analyze how power is depicted in literature, particularly in relation to gender, and how power
imbalances impact characters' experiences and interactions.

C. Stereotypes are oversimplified and often inaccurate representations or beliefs about certain groups of people.
Feminist literary analysis explores how literature perpetuates or challenges gender stereotypes, examining how
characters are portrayed based on gender and how these portrayals contribute to broader societal attitudes and
perceptions of gender.

5. HISTORICAL criticism contextualizes literature within its historical and cultural milieu, considering
how societal events, beliefs, and values influence the creation and interpretation of texts. Critics
employing this approach may explore how literature reflects or critiques the social, political, and cultural
issues of its time.

6. READER RESPONSE criticism focuses on the reader's subjective interpretation and experience of
a text, emphasizing the role of individual readers in constructing meaning. Critics using this approach
analyze how readers' backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives shape their understanding and
response to literature, highlighting the diversity of interpretations possible.