Marxist Literary Theory

Two definitions Marxist literary theories tend to focus on the representation of class conflict as well as the reinforcement of class distinctions through the medium of literature. Marxist theorists use traditional techniques of literary analysis but subordinate aesthetic concerns to the final social and political meanings of literature. Marxist theorist often champion authors sympathetic to the working classes and authors whose work challenges economic equalities found in capitalist societies. In keeping with the totalizing spirit of Marxism, literary theories arising from the Marxist paradigm have not only sought new ways of understanding the relationship between economic production and literature, but all cultural production as well. Marxist analyses of society and history have had a profound effect on literary theory and practical criticism, most notably in the development of "New Historicism" and "Cultural Materialism." http://www.iep.utm.edu/l/literary.htm#H4 Marxist criticism: An approach to literature that focuses on the ideological content of a workits explicit and implicit assumptions and values about matters such as culture, race, class, and power. Marxist criticism, based largely on the writings of Karl Marx, typically aims at not only revealing and clarifying ideological issues but also correcting social injustices. Some Marxist critics use literature to describe the competing socioeconomic interests that too often advance capitalist interests such as money and power rather than socialist interests such as morality and justice. They argue that literature and literary criticism are essentially political because they either challenge or support economic oppression. Because of this strong emphasis on the political aspects of texts, Marxist criticism focuses more on the content and themes of literature than on its form. http://profdutterer.com/generalinfo/approachestoliterarycriticism.doc Write a one sentence definition in your own words. What does Marxist literary theory ask you to focus on as you read a text?

Use the following steps to help you analyze the text through a Marxist lens. Take notes on your discussion as you proceed through the steps. Step One Approach the text with an eye for how the characters interact. Marxist thought relies on relationships between individuals, and even those aspects of relationships that are 'social' can be part of a Marxist critique.

2 Step Two Evaluate the vocational roles of all characters. The Marxist critique includes a focus on a "class system" where the vocations of characters provide the most direct reference to their place within this system. Look at the level of luxury that each individual has and how much they have to work. 3

Step Three Look at how characters use their free time. Part of the Marxist critique is based on the argument that individuals can use free time productively. Examining the free choices of individuals is actually a large part of Marxist literary criticism.

4 Step Four Assess the role of government in the piece of literature. Is it draconian? Laissezfaire? Marxist thought relies on government as a model for liberty and also for communalism: look at the tools that government uses. Does the government, in soliciting citizenship, appeal to the capitalist tendencies of individuals or to their innate love of community?

Homework: Write a one paragraph analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird using a Marxist approach. Use the notes from your class discussion. You will have to focus on one aspect of the text to do this in only one paragraph. Paragraphs must be typed.
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