Followers

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Marxist, Ecocritical, Feminist and Queer Criticism

 Marxist theory:-

 Marxist theory which is drawn from the economic, social, and political theories of the late 19th century and Karl Marx is the most popular, influential, and controversial theories of literature currently practiced throughout the Western academic world. Marxist theory can be described as an “economic” approach to interpreting literary texts. Marxist theorists often examine literary texts with a critical eye toward their various economic, ideological, and social contexts, suggestions, and assertions. Marxist theorists tend to focus their interpretations on considering how literary texts depict class oppression and strife and social inequality and, in turn, serve to critique elements of capitalistic Western life. Marxist theorists also consider how literary texts subvert and even overturn ordinary forms of social and political order. Marxist theorists give critical thought to how literary texts participate in or resist mass media and other forms of popular, capitalistic culture. They consider how such literary resistances might suggest possibilities for social revolution and, mutually, how the ruling classes might manipulate such for the purpose of social control over the other classes. Marxist theorists often take an interest in how an author’s own class, political positions, and other ideological positions serve to influence his or her writings, considering the ideologies presented within the text as well as the economic and social conditions under which particular texts are composed, published,, sold, and consumed by the public.

Example :-

 Hamlet might not be a strong Marxist example but  its protagonist is a man of privilege and that the play takes place in a fictional version of 16th century Denmark, Hamlet can be interpreted through a number of different Marxist theoretical approaches. 

A critic may also argue that Hamlet’s actions  demonstrate by which an oppressive  ideological regime can be countered and overcome. A Marxist theorist might argue that Claudius killed his brother King Hamlet in order to gain political, social, and economic power, and hence might be viewed as a figure who is corrupted by his desire for social and political power. Hamlet himself steps outside of the standards, rules, and norms established and encouraged by the ruling class that he was once a part of in order to resist its oppressive ideology. Such a critical viewpoint might serve to argue that Hamlet is at least partly about Hamlet’s own sudden separation from and realization of the ideological faults of the political structure he is or was a part of.  Marxist theorist might take interest in the plays focus on characters who belong to the ruling class and the lack of “voice” given to common people in the play. Marxist critique of Hamlet might take special interest in the famous grave digging scene of the play, and point out how Shakespeare positions the gravedigger who is the only common or non-privileged character given a prominent voice within the narrative as a source of wisdom capable of recognizing  truths about existence and the nature of the events that have come to pass within the story that the high-ranking and privileged characters in the play, including Hamlet himself, are unable to realize partly because of their own class positions.  Marxist theorist would probably not argue that Shakespeare was  protoMarxist, he or she might argue that in Hamlet, Shakespeare was anticipating and recognizing ideas concerning class distinctions and attitudes that were further developed by Karl Marx .

Ecocriticism theory :-

Ecology is the study of relationship of plants and animals to each other and to their environment. Eco is a short form of ecology. It means 'connected with the environment.'Criticism means opinions about their faults or bad qualities; a statement showing disapproval or the work or activity of making fair, careful judgements about the good or bad qualities of something, especially literary works etc. So, Ecocriticism is the study of relationship between social or natural environment and literature.  According to Wikipedia, "Ecocriticism is the study of literature and the environment from an interdisciplinary point of view, where literature scholars analyze texts that illustrate environmental concerns and examine the various ways literature treats the subject of nature."


Ecocriticism is a modern theory that describes relationship between physical environment and literature. It describes the application of ecology and ecological concepts to the study of literature. The aspects of Ecocriticism are rural setting, human nature like feelings,emotions, non-human nature such as darkness, weather, seasons and sense of consciousness towards nature and her elements like the impact of science and technology on modern society. Robert Frost is a prominent American poet in 20 th century. In his 'ThePasture', 'The Ghost House', 'The Road Not Taken', 'Out Out', 'Stopping by Woods on a SnowyEvening',' Mowing' , 'Reluctance', 'The Death of the Hired Man', 'After Apple-Picking', ' AtWoodwarrd's Gardens', 'Mending Wall'  etc., he focuses ecocritical aspects. I have studied some of his poem .

Ecocriticism is the  issue in the present world. Modern society depends on science and technology. They are being scattered from physical and natural environment day by day. giving emphasis on the human sensation and conscience of wilderness that have a great contribution changing environmental scenario reflected in literature.

Example :-

"The Road Not Taken" is a poem by Rober frost and this poem deals with the idea of Ecocroticism.This well-known poem is about making choices, and the choices that shape us. Robert Frost is an American poet who writes simply, but insightfully, about common, ordinary experiences.

Feminist theory :-

Feminism which can be defined as a range of ideologies, political movements and social movements which share a common goal to define,establish, to achieve economic, political, personal and social equality of genders. .Feminism is a belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities within the society. Feminism is a vibrant tradition which has contributed to social transformation.

We can say that feminism is a movement aimed at equal rights for women. Virginia Woolf is an English author a novelist and an Eassay writer and a most forward-thinking writer of the 20th century. Her real name is Adeline Virginia Stephen Woolf. Her work contains some techniques such as stream of consciousness and the interior monologue. She was the prominent member of the Bloomsbury group. Virginia Woolf argues about the rights of women before the Second World War and long before the second wave of feminism. Virginia Woolf is called the foremother of the feminist movement. She is called foremother because there are many reasons for it. The first  reason of this is because she has to face all the circumstances in her own life. She used to live in a society where there is no room for girl’s education. Her brothers were allowed to go outside and get education but she was not allowed to go outside for education. Virginia Woolf used her father’s home library for her education. She believed that women should also being able to get education, being able to make their own money and the ability to freely travel on their own.

Example :-

In her most famous book “Three Guineas” we get the idea of her feminism in best and clear cut way. This book is most often read as an opposing war. Virginia Woolf said about this book that “I have already said all I have to say in my book Three Guineas”. Virginia Woolf once wrote that “All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn… for it was she who earned them the right to speak their mind”.

Queer criticism

Queer criticism is used to indicate a specific theoretical perspective. Queer theory, categories of sexuality can not be defined by such simple oppositions as homosexual. And what these categories mean to different individuals will be influenced by how they conceive their own racial and class identities as well. For queer theory, then, our sexuality is socially constructed rather than inborn to the extent that it is based on the way in which sexuality is defined by the culture in which we live.

lesbian studies and gay studies :-

  Gay and lesbian studies is a multi-disciplinary major that will give you a strong body of knowledge in gay and lesbian history and culture. The gay and lesbian community often called the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community has faced many challenges over the years and still faces many challenges today. You’ll study how this culture has affected and been affected by heterosexual culture, and the conflicts that have arisen between them. You’ll learn about the LGBT population’s concerns with civil rights in the workplace and home, struggles with public policy, and battles over legal issues. Media portrayal of the LGBT community will be discussed, as well as how the media has both harmed and helped their efforts to establish their place in the culture.


No comments:

Post a Comment

4.3 Resume and Cover letter

 Resume as writing skill: A resume is like a snapshot of your work . It's a document that lists your education, work experience, skills,...