1. Literary Theories and Criticisms

2. What is literature?

3. Definitions of literature
Noun
Writings in prose or verse
Writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
The body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
The body of writings on a particular subject
Printed matter
A text
Novels, books, short stories, poems, screen-plays, film, tv shows, music, etc.

4. Definitions of literary theory
The methods and ideas readers apply while reading literature
Different ways of interpreting a text
Interpreting a text through a specific lens
Several theories exist and have been studied; however, we will talk about 10 of the most popular theories.

5. Marxist theory Based on the ideas and concepts of Karl Marx
Focuses on social class and economical differences
Where have you seen it in literature?
Cinderella
The Great Gatsby

6. Psychoanalytical theory
Based off the ideas of Sigmund Freud
Analysis of character behavior and motivation as it relates to the human psyche
Unconscious vs. Subconscious
Desires
Defenses
Id vs. Ego vs. Superego
Oedipus vs. Electra complexes
Psychological disorders

9. Jungian theory
Based off the ideas of Carl Jung – a student of Sigmund Freud
Jungian theory is one branch of psychoanalytical theory
There are a set of archetypes (molds or patterns)
How do characters fit into or compare to the archetype?
After you’ve asked the “how” questions, ask the “why” question.

10. Jungian archetypes The Innocent The Orphan The Hero The Caregiver
The Explorer
The Lover
The Jester
The Sage
The Magician
The Ruler

12. Reader response theory
Ideas and theories that a reader brings to a work
Considers the audience’s response to a work
The meaning and significance that a reader applies to literature.

13. Structuralism Structuralism... Focuses on structure Hero’s Journey
How does the literature fit the structure of literature similar to it?
How does literature fit into the genre that it represents?

16. Post-modern theory
Also known as: post-structuralism and deconstruction and “lawyer theory”
Based on the ideas of Jacques Derrida
The concept that all systems, frameworks, molds, and structures will break down
Opposed to structuralism theory
This theory thrives on instability

17. Modernism Post-modernism Romanticism/symbolism
Form (conjunctive, closed)
Purpose
Design
Heirarchy
Mastery/logos
Finished work
Semantics
Signified
Genital/phallic
Determinacy
transcendence
Paraphysics/Dadaism
Antiform (disjunctive, open)
Play
Chance
Anarchy
Exhaustion/silence
Process
Rhetoric
Signifier
Androgynous
Indeterminacy
immanence

18. Cultural Studies
Focus on how interpretations reflect the time period and culture
Society’s trends
Frequently see author’s opinions and views on the time period, culture, or politics
Where do you see it in literature?
The Great Gatsby
The Walking Dead
The vampire/zombie obsession

19. Post-colonial Theory
Focuses on colonial powers and their influence on “lower” powers
Anthony Sumpter: “cause I’m black theory”
Also examines race and ethnicity
Question the literary canon
Where have you seen it in Disney movies?
Pocahontas
Tarzan

20. Gender Studies
Focus on the gender roles and stereotypes given by society
Sociology concepts are applied
Biology indicates sex, while culture indicates gender
Definitions of masculinity and femininity
Examines ways that gender roles are portrayed in literature

21. Feminist theory Focuses on the oppression of women
Political, social, economical, and psychological
Exclusion of women from the literary canon
Specific branch of gender studies
Focus is women only

22. LGBTQ Theory A second branch of gender studies
Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender Queer
Examines sexuality in literature
While gender studies focuses on cultural stereotypes and feminist literature focuses on females, LGBTQ focuses on stereotypical sexuality and how it is portrayed in literature