Intro to Literary Theory

Summary

In this engaging lecture on literary theory, the instructor introduces six key theories: formalist, archetypal, social class (Marxist), gender, psychological (Freudian), and historical/biographical. Each theory is described as a unique lens through which to analyze texts, emphasizing the importance of close reading and understanding underlying themes and motivations. The instructor encourages students to explore how these theories reveal deeper meanings in literature while also warning against relying solely on historical context for interpretation. The session aims to equip students with diverse analytical tools for literary exploration.

Takeaways

• 📚 Literary theory provides different lenses to interpret texts, allowing for varied understandings of meaning.
• 🔍 Formalist theory emphasizes analyzing the text itself, focusing on its structure and components rather than authorial intent.
• 🌍 Archetypal theory highlights recurring themes and symbols across cultures, suggesting a collective unconscious shared by humanity.
• 💰 Social class (Marxist) theory examines how economic factors influence behavior, power dynamics, and the portrayal of social groups in literature.
• 🚺 Gender theory explores the cultural constructs of gender roles and how they affect literature and societal perceptions.
• 🧠 Psychological (Freudian) theory delves into human behavior, focusing on unconscious motivations and repressed desires that manifest in texts.
• 🗓️ Historical and biographical theory connects the context of an author's life and historical events to the meaning of literary works.
• 🖊️ The importance of close reading and detailed analysis in formalist criticism is vital for understanding texts, especially in AP exams.
• 🐶 The instructor humorously incorporates personal anecdotes, such as mentioning their dog, to create a relatable classroom atmosphere.
• 📝 Students are encouraged to engage with the material independently, valuing their own efforts and contributions to their learning.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of studying literary theory?

The primary purpose of studying literary theory is to provide various lenses through which texts can be analyzed, enhancing the understanding of their meanings and interpretations.

How does the speaker relate literary theory to using a lens?

The speaker compares literary theory to using different colored lenses to view the same object; depending on the lens used, the interpretation and understanding of the text can change.

What are the six literary theories introduced in the lecture?

The six literary theories introduced are Formalist, Archetypal, Social Class (Marxist), Gender, Psychological (Freudian), and Historical/Biographical.

What is the focus of Formalist theory?

Formalist theory focuses on the text itself, analyzing its form, structure, and language, rather than considering the author's intentions or readers' emotional responses.

What assumption underlies Archetypal theory?

Archetypal theory is based on the assumption that all humans share a collective unconscious, leading to the presence of recurring themes and symbols across different cultures and literary works.

In Social Class Theory, what factors influence human behavior?

Social Class Theory posits that human behavior is influenced by economic factors, particularly the control and distribution of wealth, which can shape values and beliefs within a society.

How does Gender Theory expand beyond feminist criticism?

Gender Theory expands beyond feminist criticism by examining not only the roles of women but also how men and women relate to each other, challenging traditional gender constructs and stereotypes.

What is the significance of psychological analysis in literary texts according to Psychological Theory?

Psychological Theory emphasizes that literary texts can reveal complexities of human psychology, with characters' behaviors often reflecting repressed desires and fears shaped by unconscious motivations.

What is the relationship between historical context and literary works in Historical/Biographical theory?

Historical/Biographical theory asserts that the events and circumstances of an author's life and the historical time period significantly influence the literary works they produce, shaping their themes and meanings.

Why does the speaker believe that historical and biographical theories are grouped together?

The speaker believes historical and biographical theories are grouped together because they share the common aspect of examining context, but they are often less emphasized in practice compared to other literary theories.