Literary Theories

Literary theories act as pair of lenses through which we view the text we are reading.

• True

• False

Formalist approach focuses on the form and structure of a literary work.

• True

• False

Marxist approach looks into the humanistic values of the text — equality, tolerance, social justice, and cultural sensitivity—and evaluate its impact on society.

• True

• False

Post-Colonial Theory...

• questions role of “Literary Canon” in dominating knowledge making, study, and education.

• accepts that literature cannot challenge colonialism

• examines cultural studies

• examines what good/service/technology is being produced and how is this mode of material production creating the society’s standards

Marx and Engel believed that historical problems are caused by the struggle between the two forces of the society- the bourgeoisie attempting to acquire influence and the proletariat holding on to their riches.

• True

• False

Historical approach finds meaning in the act of reading itself and focuses on the reader’s individual perception and experience of the text.

• True

• False

Feminist approach aims to expose how certain literary works promote patriarchy and, consequently, marginalize women.

• True

• False

One of the tenets of feminism is that women should not be defined by the idea of superiority established by the patriarchal society.

• True

• False

Reader-Response approach examines the historical, political, social, and cultural events that influenced a literary text.

• True

• False

Since criticism based on the reader-response approach relies heavily on the critic’s personal opinions and experiences, there can be many differing but equally valid interpretations of the same text.

• True

• False