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Merriam-Webster defines literature as written
works (novels, plays, poems, stories) or
anything written about a particular subject.
Text is defined as the original words of a
writing or speech.
◦ The
and
◦ The
◦ The
books, magazines, newspaper articles, tweets,
journal entries you read.
movies and tv shows you watch.
songs and radio you listen to.
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The methods and ideas readers apply
while reading literature and/or texts
Different ways of interpreting a text
Several theories exist and have been
studied; however, we will talk about 6 of
the most popular theories.
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Based on the ideas and concepts of Karl Marx
According to Marxism, the moving force
behind human history and its economic
system.
Focuses on social class and economical
differences
Where have you seen it before?
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Based off the ideas of Sigmund Freud
Unconscious vs. Subconscious
Desires/Obsessions
Defenses
Id vs. Ego vs. Superego
Oedipus vs. Electra complexes
Analysis of character behavior and motivation
as it relates to the human psyche
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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, patterns, molds.
How do characters fit into or compare to the
archetype?
Read “Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?”
◦ Quiz over the reading
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The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
Innocent
Orphan
Hero
Caregiver
Explorer
Rebel
Lover
Creator
Jester
Sage
Magician
Ruler
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Cultural studies asks, “What happened,
why did that happen?” and “What can we
interpret about society from what
happened?”
Focus on how interpretations reflect the
time period and culture
◦ Society’s trends
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Frequently see author’s opinions and
views on the time period, culture, or
politics
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Focuses on colonial powers and their
influence on “lower” powers
Also examines race and ethnicity
Question the literary canon
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Focus on the gender roles and stereotypes
given by society
Sociology concepts are applied
◦ Biology indicates sex, while culture indicates
gender
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Definitions of masculinity and femininity
Examines ways that gender roles are
portrayed in literature
Analyzes both sexes
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Focuses on the oppression of women
◦ Political, social, economical, and psychological
◦ Focuses specifically on women
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Exclusion of women from the literary canon
Specific branch of gender studies
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Read “Hanseldee and Greteldum”
◦ Quiz over the reading
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If you’re interested, the Brothers Grimm
original fairy tales are on my website. 