Literary Criticism Flashcards
Structuralist
Certain principals that can be found in similar works. Understanding underlying patterns that govern how we live
Formalist
How a text’s element s contribute to its overall work. Addresses style, word choice, and use of conventions
New Criticism
All about the text and a close read. No outside factors matter. Read and pay attention to what’s on the page
Historical
Works context in history and how its allusions, style, and POV fit or defy the conventions of that period. Examines effect had on social Views and politics at that time
New Historicism
Understand text through historical context and influences as well as to interpret cultural and intellectual history through study of relevant literary end sub literary texts
Biographical
How Details of the writer’s life and the period they lived in are reflected in the work and explain it was produced
Postcolonial
Examine literary works as examples of western colonialism and imperialism and show how these works helped further ides of racism and cultural inequality
Psychoanalytic
Looks for examples of Freudian concepts
Reader response
Readers role in responding to. Idea that each reader brings to a work his or her own experiences so each reading will be different
Marxist
Views literature through a political lens
Feminism
Role of women in literature either as authors/poets or characters and narrative
Philosophical
Look at the ethical or religious questions raised and seek to bring out the author’s own ideas about what is ethical and how life should be lived
Online sites for literary critics
ipl2 Lit Crit Collection can help review quickly some critical approaches to great works
Advantage? Search texts for key names terms or phrases
Best place to find books on lit criticism
Public and university libraries. Johns Hopkins Guide to Lit Theory and criticism
Best place to find books on lit criticism
Public and university libraries. Johns Hopkins Guide to Lit Theory and criticism
