LITERARY

THEORIES

AND

CRITICISMS

WHAT IS LITERATURE?

DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE

Noun Writings in prose or verse Writings having excellence of form or expression

and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest

The body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age

The body of writings on a particular subject Printed matter A text Novels, books, short stories, poems, screen-plays,

dramas

DEFINITIONS OF LITERARY THEORY

The methods and ideas readers apply while reading literature

Different ways of interpreting a text

Several theories exist and have been studied; however, we will talk about 10 of the most popular theories.

MARXIST THEORY Based on the ideas and concepts of Karl

Marx Focuses on social class and economical

differences

Where have you seen it in literature?

PSYCHOANALYTICAL THEORY

Based off the ideas of Sigmund Freud Unconscious vs. Subconscious Desires Defenses Id vs. Ego vs. Superego Oedipus vs. Electra complexes Analysis of character behavior and

motivation as it relates to the human psyche

JUNGIAN THEORY Based off the ideas of Carl Jung – a student of

Sigmund Freud Jungian theory is one branch of

psychoanalytical theory There are a set of archetypes, or molds. How do characters fit into or compare to the

archetype? After you’ve asked the “how” questions, ask

the “why” question.

JUNGIAN ARCHETYPES

The Innocent The Orphan The Hero The Caregiver The Explorer The Rebel The Lover The Creator The Jester The Sage The Magician The Ruler

READER RESPONSE THEORY Ideas and theories that a reader brings to a

work The lens through which the reader interprets

the text. The meaning and significance that a reader

applies to literature.

STRUCTURALISM & SEMIOTIC THEORY

Focuses on language, linguistics, patterns, and symbols

How does the literature fit the structure of literature similar to it?

How does literature fit into the genre that it represents?

POST-MODERN THEORY

Also known as: post-structuralism and deconstruction

Based on the ideas of Jacques Derrida The concept that all systems, frameworks,

molds, and structures will break down Opposed to structuralism theory This theory thrives on instability

Romanticism/symbolism

Form (conjunctive, closed)

Purpose Design Heirarchy Mastery/logos Finished work Semantics Signified Genital/phallic Determinacy transcendence

Paraphysics/Dadaism Antiform (disjunctive,

open) Play Chance Anarchy Exhaustion/silence Process Rhetoric Signifier Androgynous Indeterminacy immanence

Modernism Post-modernism

NEW HISTORICISM & CULTURAL STUDIES

Historicism asks, “What happened?” New historicism asks, “What happened, why

did that happen?” and “What can we interpret about society from what happened?”

Focus on how interpretations reflect the time period and culture

Frequently see author’s opinions and views on the time period, culture, or politics

POST-COLONIAL THEORY Focuses on colonial powers and their

influence on “lower” powers Also examines race and ethnicity Question the literary canon

GENDER STUDIES Focus on the gender roles and stereotypes given

by society Sociology concepts are applied Biology indicates sex, while culture indicates

gender Definitions of masculinity and femininity Examines ways that gender roles are portrayed in

literature

FEMINIST THEORY Focuses on the oppression of women

Political, social, economical, and psychological Exclusion of women from the literary canon Specific branch of gender studies

LGBTQ THEORY A second branch of gender studies Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender Queer Examines sexuality in literature While gender studies focuses on cultural

stereotypes and feminist literature focuses on females, LGBTQ focuses on stereotypical sexuality and how it is portrayed in literature