Untitled Document - Literary Theories PDF

Freud’s Theory of the Mind: 1.​ Superego 2.​ Id 3.​ Ego 4.​ Eggs Marxism: What are all of ​ Marxist critics believe literature is a reflection of its social, cultural and political setting. ​ Marxist critics are especially concerned with the manipulative ‘tricks’ used by those in...

Freud’s Theory of the Mind: 1.​ Superego 2.​ Id 3.​ Ego 4.​ Eggs Marxism: What are all of ​ Marxist critics believe literature is a reflection of its social, cultural and political setting. ​ Marxist critics are especially concerned with the manipulative ‘tricks’ used by those in positions of authority to exploit the lower class and maintain power ​ ​ Common Enemy - When the ruling class establishes someone to blame for the problems in their society (a scapegoat) ​ ​ Euphemism - The softening or changing of language with the purpose of altering meaning ​ ​ False consciousness: a person/character’s lack of awareness of the oppressiveness of their social or economic conditions and alliance with that which oppresses them. ​ ​ Fearmongering - Keeping citizens in a state of anxiety or fear in order to control them. The ruling class becomes “heroic” as they are the only ones who can “save” these fearful citizens. ​ ​ Oppression - prolonged, cruel, or unjust treatment and control ​ ​ Propaganda - Information, ideas or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. ​ ​ Status Quo - the existing order of things: present customs, practices, and power relations. People with money and power are often content with the status quo. ​ Literary Concepts -​ Convention -​ Associative Language -​ Archetype -​ Collective Unconscious -​ Shadow -​ Monomyth Psychoanalysis -​ Psychological critics view works through the lens of psychology.  -​ A method of investigating the unconscious elements of the mind. -​ Id – the instinctual, pleasure seeking part of the mind. -​ Superego – the part of the mind that represses the id’s impulses in order to meet society's expectations. -​ Ego – the part of the mind that controls the id’s impulses and releases them in a healthy way. -​ feminine or yonic symbols. -​ masculine or phallic symbols. -​ Archetypal: -​ Collective unconscious -​ Pathetic fallacy -​ Generated by mans psyche -​ Express themselves in characters, situations, and symbols -​ Preconscious instinctual -​ monomyth Types of archetypes -​ The Hero -​ The Scapegoat -​ The Outcast -​ The Devil Figure -​ Earthmother -​ Temptress -​ Platonic Ideal -​ The Star-crossed lover -​ The Quest -​ The Initiation -​ The Journey -​ The Fall -​ Death and Rebirth -​ Self It is the spirit that connects and is part of the universe -​ Shadow This is the unknown part of the human psyche. It is dark, shadowy, unknown, and frightening. -​ Anima The “feminine” side of the psyche that is often repressed in men due to socialization. -​ Animus The “masculine” side of the psyche that is often repressed in women due to socialization. What example is NOT an archetype?  a.​ The Scapegoat b.​ Heaven - Hell c.​ d.​ The Devil Figure Postcolonial Colonialism- A political-economic phenomenon whereby various European nations explored, conquered, settled, and exploited large areas of the world. Colonial discourse is rhetoric (argument) that attempts to justify colonization. Colonizers claim that their reasons for invading and controlling lands that aren’t theirs are legitimate. Eurocentrism- The practice, conscious or otherwise, of placing emphasis on European (and generally western) concerns, culture and values at the expense of those of other cultures. Imperialism- The policy of extending the control or authority over foreign entities as a means of acquisition and/or maintenance of empires, either through direct territorial control or through indirect methods of exerting control on the politics and/or economy of other countries. Assimilation: The absorbing and accepting of different ethnic customs and traditions. Hegemony: The control and dominant influence of one country over another. Orientalism- Orientalism literally means “other”. It refers to a social constructed view of someone from a colonized country as foreign and in opposition from the West. Feminism Feminists believe that women and men should have the same rights and opportunities socially, economically, and politically. Patriarchy- A family, community, or society based on this system is governed by men. ale Chauvinist: ​ A man whose behaviour and attitude towards women indicate a belief that they are innately inferior to men Marginalize: ​ To regulate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group. Historically women have been marginalized (this is reflected in literature) Sexism: ​ Discrimination based on gender, especially discrimination against women ​ Attitudes, conditions, or behaviours that promote stereotyping of social roles based on gender Subordinate: ​ Belonging to a lower or inferior class or rank; secondary ​ Subject to the authority or control of another. Objectification: ​ The presentation of women as “objects” without regard to their personality or dignity. ​ Literature also examines the sexual objectification of women (and men); women become objects of men’s sexual pleasure ​ Theme Explanation Example Loss of innocence Every human being goes from a state of innocence (not knowing much about the world or his or herself) to a state of maturity (understanding how the world works and acting accordingly). Every hero (just like you) must undergo challenges that enrich their life and give them valuable insight about what it means to be human. Good vs. Evil Humans all struggle between doing what is right or doing what is wrong. Literature reflects this reality by presenting the forces of good and evil against each other. Appearance vs. Reality Often in life, things are not what they appear to be. This reality is presented in literature often – as characters become victims to illusions of those around them. Isolation leads to suffering Humans are social beings and confusion that desire connection, love and honesty. When a character is forced away from those they love, suffering occurs. It is not until they are reunited with loved ones that they can succeed in their quest.