Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary aim of literary criticism?
What is the primary aim of literary criticism?
What does studying literature from different critical perspectives enable a reader to do?
What does studying literature from different critical perspectives enable a reader to do?
Which statement best reflects the principles of Feminist Literary Criticism?
Which statement best reflects the principles of Feminist Literary Criticism?
What theme does the riddle involving the surgeon and the boy convey in relation to gender assumptions?
What theme does the riddle involving the surgeon and the boy convey in relation to gender assumptions?
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In feminist literary criticism, what negative theme is critiqued within stories featuring a male lead rescuing a female character?
In feminist literary criticism, what negative theme is critiqued within stories featuring a male lead rescuing a female character?
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According to feminist literary criticism, how are 'good girls' and 'wicked girls' commonly portrayed?
According to feminist literary criticism, how are 'good girls' and 'wicked girls' commonly portrayed?
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What is a shared characteristic of feminist theory in literature?
What is a shared characteristic of feminist theory in literature?
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What does a critical perspective on literature enable readers to do?
What does a critical perspective on literature enable readers to do?
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What item did Cinderella's father bring her from town?
What item did Cinderella's father bring her from town?
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What ultimately happened when the stepsisters tried on the slipper?
What ultimately happened when the stepsisters tried on the slipper?
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How did the white dove assist Cinderella?
How did the white dove assist Cinderella?
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What did Cinderella's stepmother do to prevent her from attending the ball?
What did Cinderella's stepmother do to prevent her from attending the ball?
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What was the reaction of the prince upon seeing the blood from the stepsisters?
What was the reaction of the prince upon seeing the blood from the stepsisters?
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Where did Cinderella go to seek help before going to the ball?
Where did Cinderella go to seek help before going to the ball?
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What does the phrase 'Cinderella fit into the shoe like a love letter into its envelope' imply?
What does the phrase 'Cinderella fit into the shoe like a love letter into its envelope' imply?
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What happened to Cinderella after she danced with the prince?
What happened to Cinderella after she danced with the prince?
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What does Marxist criticism primarily examine?
What does Marxist criticism primarily examine?
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Which of the following best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in Marxist theory?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in Marxist theory?
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What is the id in Freudian theory?
What is the id in Freudian theory?
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Which concept refers to a boy's unconscious rivalry with his father for his mother's affection?
Which concept refers to a boy's unconscious rivalry with his father for his mother's affection?
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What does formalist theory prioritize in literary analysis?
What does formalist theory prioritize in literary analysis?
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What does the superego control according to Freudian theory?
What does the superego control according to Freudian theory?
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Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of the spider in a Marxist interpretation?
Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of the spider in a Marxist interpretation?
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In Freudian analysis, what aspect of character behavior is emphasized?
In Freudian analysis, what aspect of character behavior is emphasized?
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What is the main assertion of Formalist Theory regarding a text?
What is the main assertion of Formalist Theory regarding a text?
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Which aspect does not play a role in the close reading of a text according to Formalist Theory?
Which aspect does not play a role in the close reading of a text according to Formalist Theory?
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What do New Historicists argue about literature?
What do New Historicists argue about literature?
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What underlies the concept of collective unconscious in Archetypal Theory?
What underlies the concept of collective unconscious in Archetypal Theory?
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Which of the following is a key focus of New Historicism when analyzing a literary work?
Which of the following is a key focus of New Historicism when analyzing a literary work?
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How does New Historicism relate to the representation of marginalized voices?
How does New Historicism relate to the representation of marginalized voices?
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Which of the following methods is not used in examining texts with Formalist Theory?
Which of the following methods is not used in examining texts with Formalist Theory?
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What does Archetypal Theory mainly explore in literature?
What does Archetypal Theory mainly explore in literature?
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Study Notes
Overview of Literary Criticism
- Literary theory and critical theory explore literature beyond basic elements like plot and character.
- Provides various perspectives for understanding texts, enhancing comprehension and appreciation.
- Studying multiple perspectives deepens insight into an author’s work.
Critical Theories
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Feminist Theory
- Analyzes literature's reinforcement or undermining of women's oppression.
- Focuses on gender differences, power dynamics, and the female experience.
- Emphasizes that women are oppressed through patriarchal ideology.
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Examining Literature with Feminist Lens
- Questions themes like the notion of a girl needing rescuing.
- Considers character portrayals, where "good girls" are beautiful, and "wicked girls" are not.
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Marxist Theory
- Founded by Karl Marx; focuses on class struggles and materialism as historical drivers.
- Explores power structures in literature, questioning who holds and lacks power.
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Examining Literature with Marxist Perspective
- Analyzes character power dynamics and exploitation between classes.
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Psychoanalytic Theory
- Based on Freud's views, it examines psychological motivations of characters and authors.
- Highlights three parts of the psyche: the id (instinctual), ego (controls impulses), and superego (represses impulses).
- Discusses human behavior influenced by sexuality and related psychological concepts like the Oedipus and Electra complexes.
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Using Freudian Theory in Literature
- Analyzes character actions and decisions against social norms.
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Formalist Theory
- Concentrates on the text as an independent entity, requiring close reading.
- All interpretation stems from the text itself, without outside influence from historical or authorial contexts.
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New Historicism
- Examines literature’s context in history, asserting literature reflects the era of its creation.
- Addresses the power dynamics in historical narratives, ensuring marginalized voices are recognized.
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Applying New Historicism in Analysis
- Considers societal implications and cultural norms reflected in works, such as "Cinderella."
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Archetypal Theory
- Originated by Carl Jung; suggests a shared collective unconscious with recurring archetypes.
- Explores cultural patterns and beliefs that shape literature.
Important Literary Examples
- The text delves into various literary tropes and stereotypes using the "Cinderella" narrative as a case study.
- It critiques the interrelation of power, gender roles, and societal expectations prevalent in traditional fairy tales.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of literary criticism, including critical perspectives and their impact on understanding literature. It examines the differences between literary theory and critical theory, emphasizing their roles in analyzing texts beyond basic elements. Challenge your knowledge of these concepts and enhance your critical reading skills.
