Literary Theory and Ideology

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Questions and Answers

What fundamental aspect is highlighted about literature in this study unit's introduction?

Its primary function as a form of personal expression.
Its independence from any contextual or societal influence
Its inherent connection to social interactions and human activity. (correct)
Its role as a purely aesthetic and detached art form.

Which concept does the study unit use to explore the varying impacts on literary interpretation?

Relativism (correct)
Universalism
Absolutism
Objectivism

According to the study unit, what is a key element in understanding the 'social' in relation to literature?

The detachment of the literary text from specific social contexts.
The focus on individual authorial intent above all else.
The recognition of social and political influences and social action. (correct)
The limitation of literary analysis to purely linguistic structures.

What is presented as a crucial element in examining how literature is created?

The social circumstances and the context of production. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What process does the unit highlight as contributing to the changing perspective of literary analysis?

The political turn in literary theory and the politicization of literature. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Althusser, what is the relationship between the practices within ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) and the individuals who perform them?

Individuals believe they are making their own choices, but these practices are actually imposed upon them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ideological state apparatuses (ISAs), as defined by Althusser?

To reproduce existing power structures and social relations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the poet's example in the text?

It serves as a concrete illustration of how ISAs can influence individual behavior without the individual's awareness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the poet's perception of his or her own writing style differ from the reality of the situation, according to the text?

The poet believes his or her style is purely personal, when it is actually influenced by the broader literary establishment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following institutions would Althusser consider to be an ideological state apparatus (ISA)?

The media. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What primary area of study has Marxist theory significantly influenced?

The role of ideology in society (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the underlying reason for the poet's success?

The poet's conformity to the expectations of the literary establishment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between dialectical and historical materialism?

Dialectical materialism provides the philosophical foundation for historical materialism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Althusser, what is the core characteristic of ideological state apparatuses (ISAs)?

They operate through a system of subtle, often unconscious, influence and control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, what is the 'base' primarily composed of?

Economic production and relations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In Marxist theory, what is considered part of the 'superstructure'?

Legal systems and cultural institutions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term "misrecognition" as it is used in the context of the poet's example?

The poet's inability to see how their writing is shaped by broader societal forces. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of ideology according to Althusser's interpretation?

To maintain the dominance of the ruling class. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept, introduced by Gramsci, refers to the dominance of one social group over others through cultural means and consent?

Hegemony (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of studying Marxist literary theory?

To unveil the social and economic influences in literary works. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is a key limitation that has been evidenced regarding communism as a system?

Its failure to replace liberal democracy and capitalism. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of accepting that all views are group-based worldviews?

It implies that no single view can claim to be objectively true. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one way, according to the text, that ideology may be conceived in relation to science?

As a set of preconceptions which impede reason. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest might happen if one overemphasizes the commonalities between science and ideology?

It can blur the distinction between science and ideology, leading to an 'everything is ideology' position. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the position that ‘everything is ideology’?

It becomes difficult to critique this position from a non-ideological stance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest that a broad mapping of the features of ideology is required?

To avoid getting caught up in the politics of ideology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the background section?

To summarize Raymond Geuss's analysis of ideology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the discussion of ideology to the material in textbooks, according to the text?

It is a tool to help navigate and understand the variety of ideological positions presented in textbooks. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of including quotations from Raymond Geuss in the text?

To provide a direct and authoritative perspective on ideology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the 'base' in Marxist theory?

To shape the contents of the superstructure, influencing economic, social, and political life. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the relationship between the 'base' and 'superstructure' according to Marx and Engels?

A complex, dialectical interaction involving reciprocal influence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered part of the 'superstructure' according to the text?

Political, legal, and philosophical theories. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do Marx and Engels view the influence of elements within the superstructure?

They can play an active role and sometimes have a formative influence on historical event. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of literature, according to the text, within the framework of base and superstructure?

It can play an active, though not independent, role in social change. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction Marx and Engels sought to emphasize?

The materialist nature of Marxism against idealist theories. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, what is the primary function of ideology?

To support the economic foundation of a society through distorted representations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Marxist theories of ideology are developed from a critique of which type of philosophy?

Hegelian idealist philosophy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the interaction between the base and superstructure?

They continuously exert influence over each other in complex ways. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Marxist view of 'the base'?

The economic foundation of a society. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between literature and social conditions, according to Marxist literary theory?

Literature has a direct connection, reflecting social, political, and economic conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of historical materialism, what does the replacement of the nobility's power by the bourgeoisie signify?

The advent of bourgeois democracy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial dissonance between the bourgeoisie's economic power and political structures?

Monarchic structures and beliefs were still dominant despite the bourgeoisie's growing wealth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typically advocated principle by the bourgeoisie to establish their dominance?

The divine right of kings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, why did the bourgeoisie advocate for democratic principles?

To establish their dominance by changing the political and ideological structures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is democracy conceived in relation to the economic structure?

As a consequence of the underlying economic structure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Theory of Literature in Context

Analysis of literature considering societal influences and contexts.

Relativism

The idea that knowledge and truth are relative to different contexts.