Marxist Criticism
Karl Marx
- born in Germany in 1818.
- was a revolutionary
- worked in the areas of science,
history, social sciences, politics and
economics
- worked with Friedrich Engels
- Marxism promotes social equality for
all members of society.
With regards to a Marxist criticism in literature, we
are assessing the social significance of a text. For
example, does the piece reflect the social order of the
day or does it challenge the social norms?
Consider The Outsiders. What is the social order in
the novel? Is there a struggle for power between the
working and the ruling class? Do the Greasers accept
their social status, or is there a struggle for more
power? Are there examples of power other than
economic power?