Marxist Theory and Literary Criticism

The video explores Marxist criticism, tracing its origins to Marx and Engels' works, particularly the Communist Manifesto. It discusses the base and superstructure model, emphasizing how economic conditions shape cultural aspects. The video also covers the evolution of Marxist literary criticism, highlighting its focus on class struggle and ideology. Historical developments, including Russian Formalism and modern Marxist theories, are examined. The video concludes with practical applications of Marxist criticism in literature, using examples like Shakespeare's works.

What is the main work that launched Marxist theory?

• Das Kapital

• The Communist Manifesto

• The German Ideology

• Critique of the Gotha Program

How do Marxists view history?

• As a sequence of political revolutions

• As a struggle between different ideologies

• As a series of technological advancements

• As a class struggle

What does the 'base' in Marxist theory refer to?

• The material means of production, distribution, and exchange

• The political institutions of a society

• The philosophical ideas of a society

• The cultural world of art and religion

How did Marx and Engels view art and literature in their society?

• As tools for political propaganda

• As separate from society's other works

• As reflections of economic conditions

• As mere entertainment

According to Marxist literary criticism, what influences a writer's work?

• Their education level

• Their geographical location

• Their social class and ideology

• Their personal experiences

What was the focus of early Marxist works up to the 1970s?

• The effects of the unconscious

• Specific historical situations

• The conflict between different social classes

• The role of individual psychology

What was the Soviet Union's approach to literature in the 1930s?

• Focusing on individual expression

• Promoting capitalist ideologies

• Exerting direct control over literature

• Encouraging experimental art forms

What is 'vulgar Marxism'?

• A form of Marxism that ignores economic conditions

• A form of Marxism that encourages artistic freedom

• A form of Marxism that sees a direct cause-effect relation between literature and economy

• A form of Marxism that focuses on individual psychology

What is the technique of 'defamiliarization' in literature?

• Making the familiar seem strange

• Creating realistic depictions of life

• Focusing on the unconscious mind

• Using complex language to confuse readers

Who developed the concept of 'over-determinism'?

• Louis Althusser

• Antonio Gramsci

• Friedrich Engels

• Karl Marx