Marxist Criticism

of
“The Kiss”
Short Story by Kate Chopin

Present by Norhafizah bt Abd Rashid

Definitio
nMarxist Criticism approaches a literary work from a
socioeconomic standpoint. A Marxist critique of a literary
work explores how the text intentionally or unintentionally
supports capitalism, imperialism or other philosophies.

Marxist criticism views literary works as

reflections of the social institutions out of which they
are born.

Source : http://www.nonglam.uni.cc/search/label/Marxism%20Critism
 Literature

specific ideological function

social institution

background and ideology

of the author
“The Kiss”
Chopin sets her stories in her own
lifetime and hometown. Basically, the story's
background and language place it in late
19th early 20th century.

arises about Social Struggle and

Patriarchy in the society
 Upper Class Society
The upper class often well-known by the ownership of
largely inherited wealth. They are able to develop a unique style
of life based on extensive cultural pursuits and leisure activities,
apply a considerable influence on economic policy and political
decisions, and obtain for their children a better education and
economic opportunities.

Patriarchy
is a social system in which the role of the male as the
primary authority figure is central to social organization, and
where fathers hold authority over women, children, and
property.

Source : http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/550940/social-class
 When it comes to choose, people prefer
to choose money compared to love
In the late 19th century, many Americans were disgusted by the
poverty level and the low quality of live. (Wilson,2011)

Nathalie’s desire was more to money compared to her love

to Harvey. She needs Braitain not for love but for money.

“ The rather insignificant and unattractive Brantain was

enormously rich; and she liked and required the entourage which
wealth could give her.”
Wilson, G. (2011, January 28). When did religiously conservative people also become politically
conservative?. Space Coast Progressive Alliance. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from
http://www.spacecoastprogressivealliance.org/joomla/ask-gregory/1102-when-did-religiously-conservative-
people-also-become-politically-conservative
The accepted reasoning was that the career for women
was marriage. So that Nathalie uses dishonesty, lie, and
manipulation to achieve her aims.

The room's "deep shadow" with the daylight that still

exists outside the house, at the first paragraph of "The Kiss"
establishes a dark, intimate atmosphere while implying the
presence of secrets and illicit emotions.

This imagery indicates the strategy that Nathalie is

plotting to marry the rich but unattractive
and quite foolish Brantain to get his
wealth.
 Independent towards
desires
Great believers  
in 'self-help‘
(Lambert,2011)

• everyone should be independent and not look to other people

for help.
• believed that anyone could become successful through
absolute hard work and carefulness.

Logically that meant that if you were poor it

was your fault.
Lambert, T. Poverty in the 19th Century.localhistories.org. Retrieved March 3, 2011, from
http://www.localhistories.org/povhist.html
 Natalie realized her potential and ability to satisfy her
desires and tries to manipulates those around her in order to suit
her wishes.

She fully uses her sexuality,charm and beauty with some skill
in obtaining her goals.

“She was very handsome, with a certain fine, rich coloring that
belongs to the healthy brune type”

“Her eyes were bright and tender with a smile as they glanced up
into his; and her lips looked hungry for the kiss which they
invited.”
“The End”

A person can’t have everything in this world; and it was a

little unreasonable of her to expect it.

THE KISS by KATE CHOPIN