Critical Theory

Indicates a recognizable pattern or universal symbols, structures, & characters.

The prodigal son, the trickster, the wise old man, the goddess, the villain, the hero.

This criticism focuses on relationships between genders.

The theory that argued the way people think and behave in any society is determined by basic economic factors.

This criticism acknowledges the significance of historical information in interpreting literature.

·Consider the genre of the work: how does it affects the meaning of the text?

·Examine literary elements of the text, e.g. allegory, metaphor, structure.

·A text cannot be separated from its historical, social, political, economical, cultural, and intellectual context.

·Psychological messages are expressed indirectly, in a disguised manner, or encoded as in dreams or through symbolism.

·The reader analyzes a literary piece with objectivity with no focus on the author’s intention or reader’s response.

The meaning of a text is constructed by the reader based on the reader’s experiences, thoughts, and mood.

·The basic struggle in society is between the haves and have-nots.

·Consider psychologically significant events in the author or character’s life.

It focuses on literary elements such as plot, character, figures of speech, imagery, structure, etc.

·Are sexual stereotypes reinforced or undermined?

Literature is an expression of the personality, state of mind, feelings, desires, and emotions of the author.

Texts are created and interpreted based on social class, political beliefs, religious beliefs, and ethnicities.

Examine the texts from the position of those not part of the dominant culture.

·Describe feelings, emotions, thoughts, and ideas that are evoked as the text is being read.

·Research historical events of the time period in which the text was written.