Overview of Literary Criticism
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of literary criticism?

  • To provide a window into a work of literature from various viewpoints (correct)
  • To promote a specific ideology among readers
  • To summarize the plot and themes of a literary work
  • To analyze the financial background of the author

    • What does studying literature from different critical perspectives enable a reader to do?

  • Engage in arguments against differing opinions
  • Identify the author's personal beliefs clearly
  • Develop a single, unwavering viewpoint
  • Understand the richness of the author’s work (correct)

    • Which statement best reflects the principles of Feminist Literary Criticism?

  • Men are primarily responsible for the oppression of other men
  • Patriarchal ideology perpetuates oppression of women (correct)
  • Women are empowered through patriarchal structures
  • Women experience complete equality in literary representation

    • What theme does the riddle involving the surgeon and the boy convey in relation to gender assumptions?

    <p>Gender roles can lead to misconceptions and biases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In feminist literary criticism, what negative theme is critiqued within stories featuring a male lead rescuing a female character?

    <p>The expectation of women to be passive and dependent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to feminist literary criticism, how are 'good girls' and 'wicked girls' commonly portrayed?

    <p>Good girls are depicted as beautiful, while wicked girls are ugly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a shared characteristic of feminist theory in literature?

    <p>It examines power dynamics between genders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a critical perspective on literature enable readers to do?

    <p>Recognize and learn from differing viewpoints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What item did Cinderella's father bring her from town?

    <p>A twig from a tree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately happened when the stepsisters tried on the slipper?

    <p>They both bled when trying to fit into the slipper.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the white dove assist Cinderella?

    <p>By delivering gifts and wishes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Cinderella's stepmother do to prevent her from attending the ball?

    <p>Threw lentils into the fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reaction of the prince upon seeing the blood from the stepsisters?

    <p>He was shocked and dismissed them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where did Cinderella go to seek help before going to the ball?

    <p>To the cemetery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'Cinderella fit into the shoe like a love letter into its envelope' imply?

    <p>The slipper was a perfect match.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to Cinderella after she danced with the prince?

    <p>She went home through the pigeon house.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Marxist criticism primarily examine?

    <p>Power structures within a novel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in Marxist theory?

    <p>The bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the id in Freudian theory?

    <p>The pleasure-seeking instinctual part</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept refers to a boy's unconscious rivalry with his father for his mother's affection?

    <p>Oedipus complex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does formalist theory prioritize in literary analysis?

    <p>The textual content itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the superego control according to Freudian theory?

    <p>Instinctual desires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of the spider in a Marxist interpretation?

    <p>It manifests the struggle of the proletariat against oppression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Freudian analysis, what aspect of character behavior is emphasized?

    <p>The extent to which characters adhere to social norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main assertion of Formalist Theory regarding a text?

    <p>A text is an autonomous entity independent of historical context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect does not play a role in the close reading of a text according to Formalist Theory?

    <p>Considering the author's life experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do New Historicists argue about literature?

    <p>Literature cannot be interpreted without reference to its time and place.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What underlies the concept of collective unconscious in Archetypal Theory?

    <p>Shared archetypes that influence human behavior and culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key focus of New Historicism when analyzing a literary work?

    <p>Understanding the socio-political context of the time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does New Historicism relate to the representation of marginalized voices?

    <p>It emphasizes the need for these voices to be recorded in literature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods is not used in examining texts with Formalist Theory?

    <p>Interpreting the impact of the author's background.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Archetypal Theory mainly explore in literature?

    <p>Recurring patterns and symbols that represent universal themes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Examining Literature with Marxist Perspective

      • Analyzes character power dynamics and exploitation between classes.

    • 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.

    • Using Freudian Theory in Literature

      • Analyzes character actions and decisions against social norms.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Applying New Historicism in Analysis

      • Considers societal implications and cultural norms reflected in works, such as "Cinderella."

    • 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.

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