Marxist Literary Theory Flashcards
1
Q
Historical Background
A
- Based on the thinking of Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist
- He suggested that those who control the means of production, control society
2
Q
How is Marxism applied to literature?
A
- It is not a method of literary analysis but its principles may be applied to literature as literature is a reflection of ideologies of its time period
3
Q
Reflectionism
A
- Assumes a text will reflect the society that produced it
- Reflectionism can also be seen in reverse, literature and art may affect a society. This is how revolution occurs
4
Q
Bourgeoisie
A
- Those who own property, and who control the means of production
- The owners
5
Q
Proletariat
A
- The workers whose labour produces wealth for the bourgeoisie
- The working class
6
Q
Interpellation
A
- The proletariat is manipulated to accept the ideology of the bourgeoisie
7
Q
Material Circumstances
A
- The economic conditions underlying a society
8
Q
Historical Situation
A
The atmosphere that material circumstances create
9
Q
Capitalism
A
- Economic system in which the means of production are privately owned by individuals or corporations to competitively produce goods and services for the public
10
Q
The base
A
Methods of production
11
Q
Superstructure
A
- The social, political, and ideological systems generated by the based
12
Q
Marx thought that…
A
The proletariat would eventually notice the unbalanced role of the bourgeoisie and unleash a revolution
13
Q
Commodification
A
- The valuing of material things not for their usefulness but for their power to impress others (sign value) or for their resale possibilities (exchange value)
14
Q
Conspicuous Consumption
A
- Extreme focus on material acquisition
15
Q
False Consciousness
A
When cultural conditioning leads people to accept a system that is unfavourable to them
16
Q
What are art and literature often used for?
A
- Propaganda
- To reinforce the idea that the situation of the proletariat is right and just
17
Q
Sympathetic Text
A
- Promotes the ideologies of the time
18
Q
Critical Text
A
- Depicts the negative aspects of a socio-economic system
- Designed to raise awareness and promote change in society
19
Q
Marxist Theory - General Idea
A
- A social, economic and political theory that analyses the impact of the ruling class on the working class
- Leading to uneven distribution of wealth and privileges in society
20
Q
What is the moving force behind human history?
A
Its economic system
