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
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What we have learnt
- Literary criticism encompasses various theories that analyze texts through different lenses.
- Feminist criticism focuses on gender dynamics and representation in literature.
- Marxist criticism explores class struggles and economic influences on narratives.
- Psychoanalytic criticism investigates unconscious motivations within literary works.
- Postcolonial criticism examines the impacts of colonial histories on literature and identity.
Key Concepts
- -- Feminist Literary Criticism
- A critical approach that analyzes how literature reinforces or challenges gender roles and dynamics, often focusing on female representation and the reclamation of women's voices.
- -- Marxist Literary Criticism
- A perspective that examines literature through the lens of class struggle and economic systems, arguing that literary works reflect the societal structures of their time.
- -- Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism
- An approach that explores the unconscious desires and conflicts of characters and authors, often utilizing concepts from Freudian psychology.
- -- Postcolonial Literary Criticism
- A framework that analyzes literature from formerly colonized countries, addressing colonial discourse, cultural hybridity, and the experiences of marginalized groups.
Additional Learning Materials
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