MARXISM

Marxist Criticism applies

political science and
economics to the study
of literature.
Marxist Criticism grew out
of the writings of Karl Marx,
who was highly critical of
the capitalist system of
economics and politics.
Marxism is concerned about the
ways in which governments and
businesses that control the means
of production (factories, etc.)
exert control over the working
classes.
Marxist Criticism is concerned
with issues of class conflict,
wealth, work, and the various
ideologies that surround these
things.
“The history of all existing society
is the history of class conflict.”
Notice what Marxist Criticism
prioritizes when it analyzes
literature:

1. Economic status of
characters
Notice what Marxist Criticism
prioritizes when it analyzes
literature:
2. Oppression based on
wealth, access to economic
privilege, or lack thereof
Notice what Marxist Criticism
prioritizes when it analyzes
literature:

3. Class conflict
C.Four main areas of the study
Economic Power
Materialism VS Spirituality
Class Conflict
Art, Literature and Ideologies
D.Classes in Marxism
Bourgeoisie
Proletariat
Lumpenproletariat
 Marxist Literary Theory – a form of critique
or discourse for interrogating all societies and
their texts in terms of certain specific issues,
including race, class, and the attitudes shared
within a given culture.
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STRENGTH WEAKNESS
bourgeoisie proletariat Lumpenproletariat