Modern Literary Approaches Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which literary approach focuses on the portrayal of social realities and class struggles?

Psychological Approach

Feminist Approach

Marxist Approach (correct)

Formalist Approach

What does contemporary literature generally refer to?

Literature written before 1945

Works published after 1945 (correct)

All historical literature

Only poetry written in the modern era

Which literary approach aims to understand gender inequality and its societal roots?

Historicism

Structuralist Approach

Feminist Approach (correct)

Psychological Approach

Which is NOT a characteristic feature of Modernism in literature?

Emphasis on societal norms Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Formalist approach in literature?

Emphasis on literary features Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a work studied through the Psychological Approach?

When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be by John Keats Signup and view all the answers

What major theme is often explored in Contemporary literature?

Personal feelings and experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to the definition of Contemporary literature?

Belonging to or occurring in the present Signup and view all the answers

What does biographical criticism primarily focus on to understand literary texts?

The relationship between the author's life and their works Signup and view all the answers

Which type of criticism considers the social and political environment where a work was composed?

Historical criticism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia?

The bees buzzed in the garden. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'symbolism' refer to in literature?

A symbol that represents something other than its literal meaning Signup and view all the answers

Which figure of speech directly compares two unrelated things without using 'like' or 'as'?

Metaphor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using alliteration in literature?

To emphasize rhythmic qualities Signup and view all the answers

What does an oxymoron consist of?

Contradictory terms appearing together Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes assonance?

The repetition of vowel sounds within words Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literature Overview

Literature encompasses various forms of written expression including poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays that reflect ideas of permanent and universal interest.

Modern Approaches in the Study of Literature

Psychological Approach
- Utilizes psychological theories to analyze literary works to deepen understanding.
- Example: "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" by John Keats.
Feminist Approach
- Investigates gender inequality and its foundations.
- Key conflict theory in sociology, addressing ongoing societal conflicts between genders.
- Example: "Emancipation: A Life Fable" by Kate Chopin.
Marxist Approach
- Focuses on social and economic influences on literature.
- Analyzes class struggles and social realities in texts.
- Example: "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare.

Contemporary Literature

Refers to works published since 1945, emphasizing the authors' experiences and emotions in real-world contexts.
Characterized by diverse writing styles and emphasis on realistic characters.
Associated with postmodernism, an evolution of modern literary movements that began in the early 1900s.

Modern vs. Contemporary Literature

Modern Literature
- Spanning from approximately 1900 to the early 1940s, characterized by experimentation and new forms.
Contemporary Literature
- Encompasses prose, poetry, and drama published from 1945 to present.

Contemporary Approaches in Literature

Formalism
- Examines literary elements such as symbol, imagery, and structure.
- Prioritizes language arrangement over historical or biographical context.
- Example: Shakespearean sonnets dictate structure and theme.
Biographical Criticism
- Links an author's life and experiences to their literary works.
- Argues that understanding an author’s background is essential for text comprehension.
Historical Criticism
- Investigates the historical and social contexts in which a work was created.
- Considers societal events or movements impacting the author's perspective and writing.

Figurative Language

Sound Devices
- Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "She sells seashells by the seashore").
- Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within phrases (e.g., "Mike likes his new bike").
- Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds (e.g., "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain").
- Onomatopoeia: Words that mimic natural sounds (e.g., "The bees buzzed in the garden").
Symbolism
- Symbols convey meanings beyond their literal interpretations.
- Common symbols: Dove for peace, dog for loyalty, black for war, red for love or death.

Figures of Speech

Simile
- Compares two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her voice is like a melody").
Metaphor
- Describes one thing by referring to another, suggesting a comparison (e.g., "Time is a thief").
Antithesis
- Juxtaposes opposing ideas for contrast (e.g., "Speech is silver, but silence is gold").
Oxymoron
- Combines contradictory terms (e.g., "Bitter sweet").

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the various modern approaches to literature, including psychological, feminist, and Marxist perspectives. Understand how these frameworks analyze texts and illuminate societal themes. This quiz covers key examples from notable literary works to enhance comprehension of contemporary literature.