Psychological and Marxist Criticism Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Psychological Criticism in literature?

To analyze the historical context of the work

To critique the social and economic conditions presented

To explore the behavioral basis of characters through mental health examination (correct)

To assess how different readers interpret the text

Who is primarily associated with the development of modern Psychological Criticism?

Sigmund Freud (correct)

Otto Rank

Alfred Adler

Carl Jung

Which component of personality according to Freud deals with moral judgments?

Superego (correct)

Self

Ego

According to Freud, what does the id represent?

The basic and instinctual desires Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ego play in Freud's model of the mind?

It mediates between the id and the external reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if one’s id dominates their personality?

They would act impulsively based on basic urges. Signup and view all the answers

In Psychological Criticism, whose actions might also be criticized?

The author and their background Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers is NOT typically associated with the development of Psychological Criticism?

Marie Curie Signup and view all the answers

What type of thinking does the ego utilize to solve problems?

Secondary process thinking Signup and view all the answers

What role does the conscience of the superego play in relation to the ego?

It punishes the ego through feelings of guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ideal self, or ego-ideal, represent in a person's psyche?

Imaginary aspirations of how one ought to be Signup and view all the answers

Which literary theory is primarily concerned with internal conflicts and character motivation?

Psychological Criticism Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict might indicate unresolved childhood dilemmas in a character?

Internal conflicts between desires and ethics Signup and view all the answers

Which theory relates to social struggles and class dynamics in literature?

Marxist Criticism Signup and view all the answers

In what manner does the ego engage in reality testing?

By reevaluating unsuccessful plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychological criticism in literature?

Understanding characters' psychological motivations Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxist critics focus on in literature?

The plight of the lower or working classes Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist criticism, which group is likely to revolt?

The proletariats Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does feminist criticism primarily examine?

The portrayal of women and their societal roles Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of feminist criticism?

To promote gender equality and women empowerment Signup and view all the answers

Which class does Marxist criticism argue has the most power?

Elites Signup and view all the answers

How does Marxist criticism view the cycle between social classes?

As a cycle of chaos and tension that is inevitable Signup and view all the answers

What common characteristics are associated with the lower class in Marxist literature?

Poor education and inadequate healthcare Signup and view all the answers

In feminist criticism, how are women's lives typically portrayed in literature?

As marginalized and downtrodden Signup and view all the answers

What does Reader-Response Criticism primarily focus on?

The inner workings of the reader’s heart and mind Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does Feminist Criticism specifically examine in literature?

The portrayal of women and patriarchal influences Signup and view all the answers

What does New Historicism analyze in relation to literary works?

The text against the backdrop of its author's history Signup and view all the answers

In Reader-Response Criticism, how do readers engage with the text?

They actively search for their own interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the questions posed by Feminist Criticism?

What expectations are put upon the characters in their relationships? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Reader-Response Criticism?

It recognizes that texts can elicit varied responses from different readers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'patriarchal social forces' refer to in Feminist Criticism?

Cultural norms oppressing women's rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly analyzed in New Historicism?

The financial aspects of publishing Signup and view all the answers

What is a central assumption of New Historicism?

Art and literature are integrated with cultural activities. Signup and view all the answers

How do new historicists view the recording of history?

History is influenced by the cultural background of its recorders. Signup and view all the answers

What do new historicists seek to understand about historical narratives?

The biases of historians and their sources. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does New Historicism present to conventional historicism?

It accepts that all history is subjectively understood and recorded. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stories do new historicists aim to incorporate into historical narratives?

Voices of the powerless and marginalized groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guide question associated with New Historicism?

What are the author’s personal hobbies? Signup and view all the answers

What do the 'independent discourses' refer to in New Historicism?

The untold stories of those lacking political or social authority. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of New Historicism, how is history characterized?

As a narrative shaped by cultural influences and perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychological Criticism

Psychological Criticism examines the behavioral basis of characters in texts by investigating if their actions and ideas align with recognized mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions.
This theory examines not only the characters, but also the author's and reader's psychological states and their impact on the creation and reception of the text.
Based on Sigmund Freud's theory of the human mind, with its three components: the id, ego, and superego.
The id is the instinctive and primal part, driven by desires and urges like sex and aggression.
The ego acts as a mediator between the id's desires and the reality of the world.
The superego represents the moral conscience, shaping behavior based on societal norms and personal values.

Marxist Criticism

Based on the ideologies of Karl Marx and Georg Hegel.
Society is divided into three classes:
- The elites (upper class)
- The bourgeoisies (middle class)
- The proletariats (lower class)
Marx argued that, due to the inherent inequality, this division would inevitably lead to revolution.
Marxist criticism focuses on the struggles and plight of the working class.

Feminist Criticism

Examines the roles of women in literature and explores how patriarchal structures influence their portrayals.
Challenges the notion of women being relegated to marginalized positions and seeks to uncover misogynistic views within literature.
Aims to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Reader-Response Criticism

Focuses on the reader's own interpretation and understanding of the text.
Recognizes that the text is not inherently defined by a singular meaning but rather is shaped by each reader's unique perspective and experiences.
Emphasizes individual reactions and engagement with the text.

New Historicism

Explores the historical context of a literary work, analyzing it alongside related historical events, social structures, and cultural phenomena.
Challenges conventional historical perspectives, acknowledging the narrative nature of history and the influence of power dynamics.
Aims to consider a wider range of voices and perspectives from those traditionally excluded from historical narratives.

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Description

Explore the foundations of Psychological Criticism and Marxist Criticism in literature. This quiz examines the psychological framework based on Freudian theory and the class structures proposed by Marx. Understand how these critical theories interpret character behaviors and societal influences in texts.