Literary theory

Question 1

What are some things in texts that could be analysed through a “feminist perspective?”

Answer 1

• Analyse role of gender in texts.
• Idea that literature reflects masculine ideology.

Question 2

When did feminist criticsm arise?

Answer 2

• After World War 2.

Question 3

What is New Historicist literary theory?

Answer 3

• Literature should be studied in context of history and author.
• The work produced is a reflection of the writer’s times.

Question 4

What is Marxist criticism? Beliefs involved in this theory?

Answer 4

• In line with beliefs of Karl Marx.
• Beleiefs: working class will overthrow capitalists/ institutions corrupted by middle-class capitalists.

Question 5

What is psychoanalytical criticism?

Answer 5

• Analyses how mind works.
• All actions influenced by sub-concious.
• Three parts: id/ ego/ super-ego.

Question 6

What is post-colonial criticism? Texts analysed through this lens will have what themes… ? (give 3)

Answer 6

• Examines effects of colonialism.
• Colonialism has affected idenitity/ culture and justified domination.
  Themes: representation, identity, resistance.