Literary Criticisms

The video explores how different lenses, both literal and metaphorical, affect interpretation. It introduces literary criticism, focusing on formalist and feminist perspectives, using Walt Whitman's poem as an example. The video also encourages considering other lenses, such as sociological and psychological, and how interpretations can vary pre- and post-COVID-19.

What is the primary purpose of using a lens in literary criticism?

• To enhance the visual appeal of a text

• To interpret a text from a specific perspective

• To simplify the language of a text

• To increase the length of a text

How does a formalist critic view a text?

• By examining the historical context

• By considering the author's personal life

• By analyzing the text's structure and purpose

• By focusing on the representation of women

In Whitman's poem, what might a feminist critic focus on?

• The historical accuracy

• The poem's rhyme scheme

• The depiction of women's roles

• The use of metaphors

What is a potential focus of a sociological criticism of Whitman's poem?

• The author's personal experiences

• The poem's use of free verse

• The social roles and professions depicted

• The psychological motivations of characters

How might a post-COVID-19 lens alter the interpretation of a text?

• By emphasizing the text's length

• By changing the text's genre

• By focusing on themes of isolation and community

• By ignoring the text's original context