Grade 11 Studies in Language and Literature | Unit 7: Literary Criticism and Theory by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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Unit 7: Literary Criticism and Theory

This chapter introduces foundational literary theories, including Feminist, Marxist, Psychoanalytic, and Postcolonial theories, which provide diverse perspectives on literature. Each theory examines different societal aspects, such as gender, class, the unconscious, and the impact of colonial histories. Through the application of these theories, readers gain insights into how literature both reflects and influences cultural structures and personal identities.

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Sections

  • 7

    Literary Criticism And Theory

    This section introduces key literary theories including Feminist, Marxist, Psychoanalytic, and Postcolonial criticism, explaining their historical contexts, methodologies, and applications to literary texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1

    Feminist Literary Criticism

    Feminist literary criticism explores literature's role in perpetuating or challenging gender dynamics.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.1

    Historical Context

    Feminist literary criticism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, examining the representation of women in literature.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.2

    Key Concepts

    This section outlines the fundamental concepts of feminist literary criticism, focusing on patriarchy, gender representation, and reclaiming female voices in literature.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.3

    Methodology

    This section outlines the methodologies employed by feminist literary critics to analyze literature, focusing on gender biases, historical context, and comparative studies.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.4

    Application To Texts

    This section illustrates how feminist literary criticism applies to specific texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2

    Marxist Literary Criticism

    Marxist literary criticism analyzes literature through the lens of class struggle and economic power dynamics, derived from Marxist theory.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1

    Historical Context

    Feminist literary criticism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, analyzing the representation of women in literature and advocating for their central voices.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2

    Key Concepts

    This section outlines the key concepts and methodologies of Marxist literary criticism, emphasizing the relationship between literature and socio-economic structures.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.3

    Methodology

    This section outlines the various methodologies employed in feminist literary criticism, emphasizing the techniques used to analyze literature through a gendered lens.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.4

    Application To Texts

    This section discusses how various literary theories can be applied to specific texts to enhance understanding of societal and psychological themes.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3

    Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism

    Psychoanalytic literary criticism explores characters' unconscious motivations and desires within literary texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.1

    Historical Context

    The section discusses the emergence of Psychoanalytic literary criticism, influenced by Freud and Lacan, focusing on the exploration of unconscious motivations in literature.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.2

    Key Concepts

    The key concepts of Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism explore the unconscious motivations of characters and authors, focusing on repressed thoughts and desires.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.3

    Methodology

    The methodology section outlines the approaches used in Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism to uncover underlying motivations in texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.4

    Application To Texts

    This section discusses how psychoanalytic literary criticism can be applied to texts, using examples like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' to illustrate key concepts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4

    Postcolonial Literary Criticism

    Postcolonial literary criticism examines literature through the lens of colonial impact on culture and identity, addressing issues of representation, hybridity, and subaltern voices.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4.1

    Historical Context

    Feminist literary criticism emerged alongside the feminist movement, focusing on how literature shapes and reflects gender dynamics.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4.2

    Key Concepts

    This section explores the key concepts within Postcolonial Literary Criticism, emphasizing its foundational theories and applications in literary texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4.3

    Methodology

    This section discusses methodologies employed in postcolonial literary criticism, highlighting how language, culture, and narrative structure reflect colonial ideologies.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4.4

    Application To Texts

    This section discusses how postcolonial literary criticism can be applied to texts to unearthed themes of identity and colonial impact.

    Learning Practice

  • 8

    Activities

    This section presents activities designed to help students apply literary theories to texts, enhancing analytical skills and understanding.

    Learning Practice

  • 8.1

    Critical Essays Applying Specific Theories

    This section guides students in writing critical essays using different literary theories to analyze texts.

    Learning Practice

  • 8.2

    Group Presentations On Theoretical Perspectives

    This section outlines the objectives and requirements for group presentations focused on various literary theories.

    Learning Practice

  • 8.3

    Discussions On The Relevance Of Literary Criticism

    This section explores the significance of literary criticism in understanding literature and addressing societal issues.

    Learning Practice

  • 9

    Suggested Reading List

    This section provides a curated list of essential readings for understanding various literary theories.

    Learning Practice

  • 10

    Reflection

    The section emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying various literary theories, fostering critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of literature's societal influence.

    Learning Practice

References

Untitled document (15).pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Literary criticism encompas...
  • Feminist criticism focuses ...
  • Marxist criticism explores ...

Final Test

Revision Tests