Lesson 2: Foundational Literary Theoris

Question 1

The heart of literature and cultural studies

Answer 1

Foundational Literary Theories

Question 2

Provide frameworks for interpreting texts & understanding their meanings

Answer 2

Foundational literary theories

Question 3

Give examples of key theories (acc to ppt; give all 10):

Answer 3

Formalism/New Criticism
Structuralism
Post-structuralism
Marxist Criticism
Psychoanalytic criticism
Feminist Criticism
Postcolonial criticism
Reader-response theory
Ecocriticism
Queer Theory

Question 4

It focuses on the text itself, analyzing its FORM, structure, and language without considering historical or biographical context; the form of directionality; all forms that you have analyze will be combined in order to create a conclusion

Answer 4

Formalism/New Criticism

Question 5

Examines the underlying structures in literature, such as language, culture, and systems of meaning. It emphasizes the relationship between elements within a text.

Answer 5

Structuralism

Question 6

Analyzes the language, structure, grammar and vocabular used in the text; and pays attention to narrative framework, plot devices, settings, motifs, and patterns

Answer 6

Structuralism

Question 7

Challenges the idea of fixed meanings and interpretations, suggesting that texts are open to multiple interpretations influenced by context and reader perspective; basing on the clues for more different interpretations

Answer 7

Post-structuralism

Question 8

Analyzes literature through the lens of class struggle, economics, and social power dynamics, focusing on how these elements influence texts and their production

Answer 8

Marxist criticism

Question 9

Draws on Freudian and Lacanian theories to explore the unconscious motivations of characters, authors, and readers. Examining themes of desire, identity, and repression.

Answer 9

Psychoanalytic criticism

Question 10

Analyzing based on actions, decision making, psyche, behavior, etc.

Answer 10

Psychoanalytic criticism

Question 11

Investigates literature through the lens of gender, exploring representations of women, gender roles, and the dynamics of power between genders

Answer 11

Feminist criticism

Question 12

Analyzes literature from formerly colonized nations, focusing on issues of identity, power, and cultural hegemony, as as the effects of colonialism

Answer 12

Postcolonial criticism

Question 13

Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning, asserting that interpretation is subjective and varies based on individual experiences and contexts

Answer 13

Reader response theory

Question 14

Explores the relationship between literature and the environment, examining how texts reflect and shape our understanding of nature and ecological issues

Answer 14

Ecocriticism

Question 15

Analyzes literature through the lens of sexuality and gender identity, questioning normative assumptions and exploring diverse expressions of identity

Answer 15

Queer theory