Marxist Literary Criticism Concepts

The video explores Marxist literary criticism, focusing on class analysis, power, and ideologies. It explains class divisions as per Karl Marx, including the aristocracy, bourgeois, and proletariat. The video discusses how to analyze characters and ideologies in texts, the concept of hegemony, and how power structures are maintained. It also examines external factors like production and consumption that reflect class ideologies, aiming to raise awareness and potentially reduce working-class oppression.

What is the primary focus of Marxist literary criticism?

• The analysis of language and style

• The analysis of money, power, and social institutions

• The analysis of character development

• The analysis of historical events

According to Karl Marx, which class is associated with traditional nobility?

• Aristocracy

• Bourgeoisie

• Middle class

• Proletariat

Which class is described as having power through capital and enterprises?

• Bourgeoisie

• Aristocracy

• Proletariat

• Peasantry

What is a characteristic of the proletariat class?

• They control political structures

• They receive hourly wages

• They have inherited wealth

• They own factories

What should a Marxist critic analyze about characters in a novel?

• Their fashion choices

• Their class and its impact on their actions

• Their favorite hobbies

• Their travel experiences

What does the term 'ideology' refer to in Marxist criticism?

• A historical event

• A literary genre

• A type of government

• A system of beliefs underlying actions

Which of the following is an example of an ideology?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Renaissance

• The Cold War

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

What is 'hegemony' in the context of Marxist criticism?

• A historical period

• A literary device

• Leadership or dominance by one group over another

• A type of government

How do dominant classes maintain power according to Marxist criticism?

• Through military force

• Through economic sanctions

• Through diplomatic negotiations

• Through ideologies and societal expectations

What might a Marxist critic question about an author's work?

• The author's financial success and understanding of oppression

• The author's use of metaphors

• The author's writing style

• The author's choice of setting