Literary Theory

By looking at a character as a "messiah" figure, you are using this approach:

This type of theory allows the life of the author to add meaning to the text.

This type of theory focuses a text as a world in itself, with a focus on the authors use of symbols and literary devices

This criticism looks at the balance of power that exists between different cultural groups

This literary theory looks at how social constructs of binaries are present in the text

By analyzing how a male author treats a female character he writes, you are using this approach:

This theory recognizes how a reader interprets a text changes over time and context.

This method involves looking at works reflecting emigration, immigration, or how a culture has been "taken over."

This theory studies creative genius or deeply analyzes subconscious motives of the characters

By analyzing the way the text reflects the time period in which it was written, you are using...

This criticism looks at the time period and events that influence the text, or how the text reflects that place and time

Analyzing the way the text reflects the suppression of marginalized voices or the repression of entire cultures:

By looking at the development of a personal symbol in the work alone, you are using this approach

By analyzing the way the text shows the dynamics of power between its white and black characters, you are using

This method views literature as instruments for showing how the past WAS; about surrounding ideaology.

This type of criticism focuses on how the story mirrors ancient story arcs, character types, or symbols.

this theory will have a reader look for class struggle, or even looking for "revolution" in the text